KORONADAL CITY —-Vibrant cultural performances and impressive product displays took center stage during the first judging of this year 2026 Bahay Kubo Competition, is one of the major attractions of the T’nalak Festival in South Cotabato.
According to Bahay Kubo Competition Co-Chairperson Eli Diamante, this year’s competition places greater emphasis on showcasing local products alongside the traditional bahay kubo structures.
“The competition no longer focuses solely on the bahay kubo itself. Forty percent of the overall score comes from the product display, while 60 percent is based on the structural design and uniqueness of each bahay kubo,” Diamante explained.
Five judges from various professional fields evaluated the participating entries based on creativity, structural design, cultural presentation, and product showcase.
The judging panel was composed of Ariel E. Sadulang, a visual arts expert and draftsman; April Joy O. Funa Romero, Community Development Assistant from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of Cotabato Province; Russell H. Affairs, Public Assistant from the Tourism and Sports Development Division of the Provincial Government of Cotabato; Elyka Marisse Agan, Senior Trade Industry Development Specialist of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) General Santos City; and Leo M. Gayao, Assistant Professor IV of the University of Southern Mindanao–PALMA Cluster Campuses, USM Alamada Campus, and a professional landscaper.
To further celebrate the province’s rich cultural heritage, the organizing committee allocated a P20,000 cash prize for the winner of the cultural performance category.
Diamante said each participating hut presented cultural performances during the judging, providing entertainment while highlighting the traditions and identity of their respective municipalities.
Among the spectators was Felisa Parcon, a retired teacher from Koronadal City, who has made it a tradition to visit the Bahay Kubo Competition every year with her friends during the T’nalak Festival.
“This year, all the bahay kubo entries are elegant, especially with their second-floor designs, and they are filled with locally made products. The judges will have a difficult time choosing the winners. For me, pantay silang lahat dahil they have their own distinct uniqueness,” Parcon said.
The winners of this year’s Bahay Kubo Competition are expected to be announced on July 17, 2026, at the foot of Alunan Avenue in Koronadal City.
The winning entries will receive the following prizes:
- 1st Prize: P300,000 and a trophy
- 2nd Prize: P200,000 and a trophy
- 3rd Prize: P150,000 and a trophy
- 4th Prize: P100,000 and a trophy
- 5th Prize: P80,000 and a trophy
- Consolation Prize: P50,000 and a trophy
The Bahay Kubo Competition remains one of the most anticipated events of the T’nalak Festival, showcasing South Cotabato’s creativity, cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and locally produced goods while promoting tourism and community pride.
