ILIGAN City — Tribu Tomas Cabili took the top prize in Kasadya sa Diyandi 2026, capping Iligan City’s celebration of faith, culture and local traditions.
The Barangay Tomas Cabili contingent emerged as overall champion after competing against five other groups in the city’s annual cultural competition on Sunday, Sept. 27.
Tribu Sta. Felomina placed first runner-up, while Tribu Suarez finished second runner-up.
The competition brought together contingents from Barangays Mandulog, Sta. Felomina, Suarez and Tomas Cabili, as well as Barangay Mapulog in Naawan, Misamis Oriental, and Laubach Institute Inc. of Bacolod, Lanao del Norte.
The groups competed through street dancing, music, storytelling and cultural performances that highlighted local traditions and the communities they represented.
Atty. Riezel Reen P. Angas, overall chair of the Executive Management Board, said Kasadya sa Diyandi goes beyond its religious roots by giving communities a venue to showcase their culture, identity and creativity.
She also recognized the months of preparation behind the performances, saying the costumes, music and movements reflected the participants’ discipline and dedication to keeping local traditions alive.
“Give it your best with complete passion and love. Enjoy this moment and be proud you are helping keep our culture and traditions alive,” Angas said.
For Tomas Cabili, artistic director Niño Vincent Tate credited the dancers, parents, organizers and supporters who helped prepare the contingent.
Tate said the group returned to the competition driven by its devotion to Señor San Miguel, Iligan’s patron and protector, as well as its desire to deliver a performance centered on faith, hope and protection.
The champion received a ₱1 million cash prize and a trophy. Sta. Felomina received ₱700,000 for first runner-up, while Suarez received ₱500,000 for second runner-up.
Tomas Cabili also dominated the minor awards, winning Best in Maranao, Best in Higaonon, Best in Diyandi, Best in Musicality and Best in Storyline, with ₱10,000 for each award.
The group also won Best in Street Dancing, which carried a ₱30,000 prize.
Suarez won Best in Eskrima and received ₱10,000.
Beyond the competition, organizers said the event brought different communities together through culture, faith and artistic expression.
The celebration also recognized the government and tourism officials, judges, sponsors, cultural workers, travel and tour operators, police personnel, medical teams, nurses and other workers who helped stage the event.
For Iligan, the annual celebration continues to provide a stage for communities to preserve traditions while passing them on to the next generation.
