Tribu Salognon of Jaro National High School was adjudged grand prize winner in the Tribes Competition of the Dinagyang Festival 2026.

Defending champion Tribu Paghidaet of La Paz National High School was proclaimed 1st runner-up, while Tribu Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National High School won second runner-up.

According to observers, performances of participating tribes get better and more intense each year. Tribu Bulawanon of Molo District showed the crowd their mettle through their energetic performance, choreography, and grand costume. Tribu Taga-Baryo of Barrio Obrero, Lapuz wowed the crowd with their excellent storytelling and spectacular props. Tribu Pan-ay was a spectacle of colors and detailed vestments, coupled with superb performance.

A grand and warrior-like performance of defending champion Tribu Paghidaet of La Paz National High School sent the crowd gushing. The lone elementary school-contingent of Tribu Ilayanhon from Graciano Lopez Jaena Elementary School showed off their prowess in dance and choreography. The last group to perform, Tribu Ilonganon of Jalandoni Memorial National High School, amazed the crowd with their choreography and style.

Each tribe highlighted an endemic species found in Western Visayas: Visayan warty pig for Tribu Bulawanon, Visayan spotted deer for Tribu Ilonganon, Panay monitor lizard for Tribu Taga-Baryo, Visayan leopard cat for Tribu Salognon, Visayan hornbill for Tribu Ilayanhon, Gigantes limestone frog for Tribu Pan-ay, and Philippine long-tailed macaque (monkey) for Tribu Paghidaet. 

The awarding ceremony was held evening on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.

Denisie Sansolis, a spectator, admires the festive mood of the Dinagyang event. 

“Very vibrant, very colorful and very festive yung atake ng dinagyang,” Sansolis said. 

Carol Salbino, another spectator, likes the energy of the performers. 

“It's really, really nice and the energy is there and everybody is good,” Salbino said.

Meanwhile, Tultugan Festival of Maasin town defended its title for the third year in a row in the “Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan" competition.

Kahilwayan Festival of Santa Barbara was adjudged first runner-up, while Kasag Festival of Banate took the 2nd runner-up spot.

Further, Banaag Festival of Anilao, Iloilo was declared champion in the “Ilomination Festival of Lights.” Zamboanga Hermosa Festival of the City of Zamboanga won first runner-up, while Pavvurulun Ali Festival of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan in Northern Luzon settled as 2nd runner-up.

Moreover, Kapuso stars Allen Ansay, Charlie Fleming, Sean Lucas, and Anthony Constantino of the horror film “Huwag Kang Titingin” graced the festivity.