Davao City’s Mutya ng Dabaw 2026 candidates participated in an interview round on March 15, 2026, at the Sta. Lucia Mall Convention Center, as part of the Araw ng Dabaw celebrations.
A Test of Wit and Values
The interview round was structured around three segments – the Emoji Cue Round, the Mutya-to-Mutya Round, and the TaranTanong Round – designed to assess the candidates’ wit, personality, and perspectives on current social issues.
Candidates were questioned on a range of topics. During the TaranTanong Round, the topic of “cancel culture” arose, with Mutya 13 stating a preference for accountability over cancellation, arguing that it allows individuals a chance for redemption.
Other discussions included preferences for footwear, with candidates in Batch 2 unanimously favoring sneakers for their comfort, though acknowledging the elegance of heels. Candidates also engaged in direct questioning of one another; Mutya 15 asked Mutya 19, “Who is Hannah?” to which Mutya 19 responded by describing herself as a “leader girl” and a “holistic person.”
Advocacy and Civic Responsibility
A question submitted via the Mutya ng Dabaw official Facebook page asked candidates how a Mutya could promote peace, critical thinking, and national unity. Mutya 2 responded by emphasizing the importance of education and empowering the youth, even as Mutya 7 stressed that peace begins within individuals.
The candidates also shared their views on Filipino culture, with nearly all expressing enjoyment of the delicacy *balut*, though Mutya 16 admitted to being initially surprised by its taste.
Mutya 8 described winning the title as “everything,” representing both the culmination of hard function and a starting point for advocating for women throughout Davao and potentially the Philippines. Mutya 6 characterized her journey as “transformative,” recounting a stumble during a preliminary competition as a lesson in resilience.
The final question posed to the candidates, from a live audience member, centered on the responsibility of a Dabawenya to protect the identity and values of Davao City in a changing world. Mutya 3 emphasized the importance of authenticity, integrity, and leadership as a bridge between purpose, action, and hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the three segments of the interview round?
The three segments were the Emoji Cue Round, the Mutya-to-Mutya Round, and the TaranTanong Round.
What was Mutya 13’s stance on cancel culture?
Mutya 13 expressed that she is not in favor of cancel culture, believing it denies individuals a chance for redemption and can be used as a weapon.
What did Mutya 8 say winning Mutya ng Dabaw would mean to her?
Mutya 8 stated that winning would represent the culmination of hard work and a starting point for her advocacy for women in Davao and the Philippines.
As the interview round concludes, the candidates move closer to the grand coronation night on March 20, 2026, at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gymnasium. What qualities will ultimately define the next Mutya ng Dabaw?
