In a vibrant celebration of Visayan culture, the city of Cadiz in Negros Occidental hosted its first-ever Visayas-wide painting competition, drawing together 300 artists from across the region. The event, themed ‘Pagsibol sa Kabihasnang Pamumuhay’ or ’emergence of civilized life,’ was a highlight of the ongoing Dinagsa Festival 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of Cadiz’s Ati-Atihan fiesta celebration.
Cebuano artist Jayson Droña emerged as the grand prize winner, receiving PHP200,000 and a trophy for his oil painting ‘Mga Kamay ng Pag-asa’ (Hands of Hope). The 26 x 32-inch canvas depicted hands from various Visayan communities, each holding symbols of their local culture, such as Cebu’s Sto. Niño and rosary, Bacolod’s Masskara Festival, and Bohol’s coconut shell cup, among others. Droña, a mechanical engineer from Danao City, explained that his artwork symbolizes the collective effort needed to build a hopeful future, emphasizing unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
Other notable winners included Hondrey Debalucos from Cebu, who took second place with PHP100,000, and Paul Jhon Cabanalan from Iloilo, who secured third place with PHP50,000. The competition was judged by a panel of esteemed artists, including Cid Reyes, Ron Lopez Davis, and Emmanuel Garibay, among others.
Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. of Cadiz City expressed pride in the event’s success, noting the challenge of bringing together such a distinguished panel of judges and artists. ‘Art unites us,’ he stated, underscoring the competition’s role in fostering regional solidarity and cultural appreciation.