Twelve teenagers carrying advocacies on youth and community concerns will compete in the first Hari kag Hara sang Himoga 2026 in Sagay City, Negros Occidental on Sunday, September 13.
The six young men and six young women, aged 14 to 19, will take the stage at the Himogaan Baybay Covered Court at 7 p.m. in a pageant designed to highlight Filipino heritage, youth excellence, advocacy and community involvement.
The inaugural pageant carries the theme “Panublíon, Hanás, Pagláum,” reflecting heritage, skills and excellence, and hope as values the organizers want the candidates to embody throughout the competition.
Representing Cluster 1, composed of Sitio. Tapon, Purok Masinadyahon and Sitio Pandanan, are John Paolo D. Chua for Hari and Jomai C. Alvarado for Hara.
Cluster 2, composed of Sitio Crossing Sawmill, Purok Balongay and Sitio Sawmill Proper, will be represented by Jade Mar P. Caballero and Jeana Faith T. Lobiogo.
For Cluster 3, covering Sitio Himogaan Proper, Bebo Village, Sitio Tuble and Hacienda Isabelita, the candidates are Justine S. Olladas and Faith Grace A. Uy.
Cluster 4, composed of Sitio Docul-docol, Purok Lawis, Purok Olontawo, Sitio Intaplan and Purok Dalakit, will be represented by Eljohn G. Bontalidad and Ellah Marie A. Canillada.
Representing Cluster 5, composed of Sitio Hupac, Purok IC, Hacienda Ulbuhan, Purok Talamnan and Hacienda Sta. Maria, are Gino D. Librando and Trexie Nichole B. Monares.
Cluster 6, representing Himogaan Baybay Integrated School, Katipunan ng Kabataan and Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines, will field Arnold M. Magalona and Rhean Nicole E. Batiduan.
Each candidate will also present an advocacy during the event, giving them an opportunity to highlight an issue or cause they want to help address in their community.
SK Chairperson Reynaldo Delcoro Jr. said the pageant was designed to give young people a platform not only to showcase their confidence and talents but also to express the causes they believe in.
“We want Hari kag Hara sang Himoga to be more than a search for who looks best on stage. We want our young people to understand their culture, develop their talents and, most importantly, use their voices for something that can help the community,” Delcoro said.
The competition will feature a Filipino-inspired production number, a sportswear segment drawing inspiration from Filipino athletes, a creative folk dance segment and a formal wear presentation featuring modern Filipiniana and Barong.
Questions in the final round will center on advocacy, Filipino heritage, conservation, youth leadership and current community and social issues.
Delcoro said the organizers also hope the candidates will continue their advocacies beyond the coronation night and become more active in community and youth initiatives.
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