CAGAYAN deOro City — Kaye Ricafort emerged as Miss Palengke 2026, besting 10 other candidates in a pageant held Oct. 3 in front of the city public market as part of the annual Negosyo Festival.
Ricafort also won Best in Evening Gown during the competition, which tested the candidates’ talent, confidence and communication skills through a production number, market attire, preliminary interview, evening gown and final question-and-answer rounds.
Joyce Casa Ibañez, Candidate No. 6, was named first runner-up, followed by Faujeya Bangsa, Candidate No. 8, as second runner-up.
Angel Lelis, Candidate No. 5, placed third runner-up, while Mary Umadhay, Candidate No. 10, finished as fourth runner-up.
Kayla Joy Cubid took home Best in Production Number and Best in Palengke Attire, while Bangsa also received the Best in Preliminary Interview award.
The pageant was one of the activities of the Negosyo Festival, which featured local businesses and entrepreneurs.
Vice Mayor Ma. Ester Marin-Catorce said the festival provides entrepreneurs, from micro businesses to larger enterprises, an opportunity to showcase and grow their ventures.
Mayor Erlinda P. Araquil, meanwhile, underscored the need to keep the public market clean, orderly and responsive to customers, saying it should remain competitive with private commercial establishments.
