DURO
BACOLOD CITY – A 22-year-old aspiring teacher from the Philippine Normal University-Visayas was crowned Sinigayan Queen 2026 during the 30th Sinigayan Festival in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.
Jeatrice Joie Duro from Barangay Paraiso bested nine other candidates during the pageant and coronation night at the Sagay City gymnasium on Wednesday, March 18. She bagged corporate awards and Best in Photogenic.
Other winners were Sinigayan Queen Tourism Precious Angel Bajada representing Barangay Old Sagay, Sinigayan Queen Charity Sofia Nicole Banola from Barangay Fabrica, first princess Mary Grace Chuatico from Barangay Vito, and second princess Trisha Mae Caballos from Barangay Lopez Jaena.
This year’s Sinigayan Festival with the theme “We Learn, We Live, We Love” is celebrated from March 16 to 20 with various cultural, sports, and community activities.
Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva said the Sinigayan Festival remains one of the occasions where Sagaynons gather to celebrate their shared identity while looking forward to the city’s future.
Negros Occidental second district Rep. Alfredo Marañon III said the festival’s theme represents values that shape communities.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said cultural celebrations strengthen community pride in the province and recognized Sagay’s continuing efforts to preserve local traditions.
“Festivals like Sinigayan remind us how culture binds our communities together. They allow us to celebrate our heritage while strengthening the unity and pride of our people across Negros Occidental,” Lacson said.
Around 130 policemen were deployed to ensure peace and order during the event.