A TOTAL of 16 contingents will compete in this year’s Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan, with three-peat champion Sindac Anib’s Performing Arts Guild of Bislig, Surigao del Sur, making a comeback to the prestigious street dancing competition.
Event organizer Harold Quibete said the lineup is evenly split — eight entries in the Davao City school-based category and eight in the open category. Both Sindac Anib and last year’s defending champion are out to keep their crowns in the open division.
In the school-based category, Davao City National High School is returning to defend its title. The school has already won twice in this division, and if it triumphs again this year, it will take a one-year break to give other schools a shot at the championship.
“We are very happy that the turnout for the Davao City school-based category keeps growing,” Quibete said during Wednesday’s Habi at Kape at Ayala Malls Abreeza. “It’s a good sign that more schools are participating — not only those with Special Program in the Arts (SPA) in their curriculum, but also those that value the heart of Kadayawan, which is paying tribute to our 11 ethnolinguistic tribes.”
Winners in both the open and school-based categories will receive ₱1 million, a plaque, and 150 medals. Second place gets ₱500,000, third ₱400,000, fourth ₱300,000, fifth ₱200,000, and 10 consolation prizes of ₱50,000 each. Special awards — best in music, best choreographer, and best in artistic design — will each come with ₱50,000.
For the Pamulak sa Kadayawan floral float parade, six entries will join the dako (big) category, 12 in the gamay (small) category, and 10 non-competing floats. The grand champion in the dako category will take home ₱800,000, while winners in the gamay category will get ₱500,000.
Quibete said they expect around 6,000 participants for the Indak-Indak and Pamulak parades on August 17, 2025. As in past years, the two main Kadayawan events will be held on the same day, with the Public Safety and Security Office and other agencies on hand to ensure a safe celebration. RGP
