MALAYBALAY CITY (01 April 2026 / Bukidnon News) — Bukidnon artists took center stage at the province’s first-ever Soil Painting Competition on March 21, 2026, at the Bukidnon Center for Culture and the Arts. Themed “Hulagway sa Yuta: Celebrating Bukidnon’s Seven Tribes Through Soil Art,” the event celebrated the province’s culture, heritage, and natural resources.
The Bukidnon Lokal Artists Kulektib (BuLAK) organized the competition, which attracted 79 entries across two categories. In the Professional Category, Phel Picao Salmasan won first prize and ₱100,000 for his 4×8-foot artwork (see related story). Genevieve Lazarte-Estrada placed second (₱75,000), and Judith Mindaro finished third (₱50,000).
In the Open Category, Reynante Yabut of Impasugong captured first prize (₱30,000). Jerald Cabasag of Don Carlos placed second (₱20,000), and Linda Ebay of Kitaotao took third (₱10,000).
The judges evaluated the artworks on Creativity and Originality (30%), Relevance to Theme (25%), Artistic Technique (20%), Composition and Design (15%), and Impact and Expression (10%).
The public can view all entries at the Bukidnon Center for Culture and the Arts until April 23, 2026.
Dr. Eric Zerrudo, Chairperson of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), led the judging panels for both categories. He worked alongside Ms. Loreta Sol Dinlayan, Director of the BukSU Bukidnon Studies Center, and Rep. Jose Manuel Alba for the Professional Category. The Open Category panel included acclaimed Mindanaoan artist and sculptor Kublai Millan.
Organizers held the awarding ceremony at the Museum of the Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex in Barangay Laguitas, Malaybalay City.
Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri sponsored the event in partnership with BuLAK, with support from Aboitiz Power Corporation.
Organizers said the artworks reflected Bukidnon’s land, culture, and identity, showing how art can connect communities to their roots and inspire future generations. (Contributed to BukidnonNews.Net by Atty. Vicar Loureen Lofranco of the Bukidnon Lokal Artists Kolektib, Inc)
