• ANDREW ALTAREJOS
The Municipality of Don Salvador Benedicto achieved a historic win after Jamaicah Bantigue, 20, was crowned this year’s Lin-ay sang Negros during the 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival at the Panaad Park and Stadium on April 17.
Her victory gave the municipality its first-ever Lin-ay sang Negros crown.
A mental health advocate and psychology major from the University of St. La Salle–Bacolod, Bantigue bested 31 other candidates from across Negros Occidental. This year’s pageant marked the Pearl Edition of the festival and, for the first time in its history, featured representatives from all 32 cities and municipalities of the province.
During the final question and answer portion, she emphasized through her advocacy initiative of promoting mental health awareness and addressing symptoms of psychological conditions through timely and meaningful interventions, which is to focus on strengthening the mental health services in the province.
“I believe that I could embody this promise by initiating one of the projects through Abanse Negrense. I am a strong advocate for mental health and I am the founder of the ‘You Matter’ organization because I personally experienced the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and I have lost some of my loved ones due to this issue,” Bantigue stated.
“With the Lin-ay sang Negros platform and, of course, the provincial government, we could really make things possible for a gentle Negros Occidental because I believe that true progress is not just about growth, it’s about sustaining and cultivating a community while fostering sustainability,” she added.
The win came as part of a historic year for the pageant, which saw all local government units across Negros Occidental represented for the first time. A total of thirty-two candidates vied for the prestigious title, marking the largest and most inclusive lineup in the pageant’s history.
Beyond the crown, Bantigue dominated the competition with a string of corporate awards, including Miss Ayala Malls, Miss GCash, Miss Solana Studios, Miss ISK Tech, Miss RA Construction, and Ma-Anyag Beauty. She was also named as Muse of the Media (Municipality Category) during the press presentation.
Bantigue will be Negros Occidental’s official delegate to Miss World Philippines next year, carrying with her the pride of her hometown Don Salvador Benedicto.
The new Lin-ay sang Negros received P80,000 cash, a full one-year scholarship, P200,000 financial assistance for her advocacy, a tech-vocational scholarship worth P100,000, and other prizes. She was also awarded Best in Talent.
Lin-ay sang Kabankalan City Johana Marie Oyog was named first runner-up and received P50,000 cash, a 75 percent scholarship, and P200,000 in support for her advocacy. She also won the minor award for Best in Evening Gown.
Kimberly Kate Payumo of Talisay City was second runner-up, receiving P40,000 cash, a 50 percent scholarship, and other support benefits. Cauayan’s bet Elisha Krizzle Escultura was third runner-up and received P20,000 cash, while Glazel Bayona of Calatrava was named fourth runner-up with a P15,000 cash prize.
Other minor awards were also presented. Lin-ay sang Bacolod Ysabelle Wuthrich won Best in Swimwear and Best in Festival Costume. She was also named as Muse of the Media (City Category) during the press presentation.
Murcia’s bet, Sofia Ignalague was named Miss Photogenic. The People’s Choice Award went to Erish Jen Cascarro of La Carlota City, and the Miss Congeniality award was given to Valladolid’s bet Jonalyn Grace Diamena. Best in Evening Gown Designer was awarded to Isabela (designer Edwin Benitez), and Best in Festival Costume Designer went to Hinigaran. The Best in Opening Production Number was awarded to Charhaey Apatan of San Carlos City.
The nearly four-hour coronation night was witnessed by thousands of spectators who jam-packed the main grandstand of the stadium.
Actor Jericho Rosales serenaded the candidates prior to the announcement of the winners.
Attending the event were Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II, Panaad sa Negros Festival Executive Director Charina Magallanes-Tan, provincial board members, mayors, other LGU government officials, tourism officers, and LGU coordinators.
The panel of judges for the Lin-ay sang Negros 2026 coronation night included Miss World Philippines 2026 Asia Rose Simpson, Miss Earth Philippines 2025 Joy Barcoma, crown designer and creative director of Munar Jewelry Christopher Munar, Mister Pilipinas Worldwide Vice President Kenneth Cabuncal, Lin-ay sang Negros 1996 Maita Salde Enteria, Advocacy Officer for World Vision Philippines Caroline Joy Veronilla, and National Director of Miss World Philippines Arnold Vegafria.*
