‘I-suggest ko koma nga i-waive ti height (requirement) to accomodate diay kakailyan nga saan naparaburan ti tayag’ - BM Amla on 2026 Miss Kalinga Search

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Numerous calls from applicants who wish to join the 2026 Miss Kalinga pageant have raised concerns about the height requirement, prompting Board Member Julius Glenn Amla to propose a possible waiver for shorter candidates during the province’s Kapehan sa Kapitolyo on Monday, January 5, 2026.

“Regarding Miss Kalinga, there are many callers asking about the search, particularly about the height requirement. They ask, ‘How about us, sir, if we don’t meet the height requirement? We’re only 5’2” or 5’3”,’ and they are told they are not qualified,” Amla said.

Amla noted that most Cordillerans are not naturally tall despite having talent and wit, adding that a height waiver could help accommodate local Indigenous candidates while still maintaining the pageant’s standards.

In an interview with the board member, he said “I-suggest ko koma nga i-waive ti height to accomodate diay kakailyan nga saan naparaburan ti tayag, ngem naparaburan ti pintas ken laing.”

With the province’s month-long festival and founding anniversary approaching in February, the Provincial Government of Kalinga held its first Kapehan sa Kapitolyo meeting at the Conference Hall in Capitol Hills, Bulanao, on January 5, 2026, to discuss preparations and finalize events and related activities, including the Miss Kalinga pageant.

Amla shared that he has been receiving numerous calls regarding the pageant, with applicants inquiring and suggesting the possibility of a height waiver.

The board member also emphasized the importance of inclusivity, pointing out that Indigenous Peoples are generally shorter in stature, which may otherwise exclude them from competing due to the height requirement.

He added that some applicants argued that since Miss Kalinga is a local pageant held under the Bodong Festival, it should consider Indigenous height standards, unlike national or international competitions where height requirements are strictly enforced.

Amla further shared that some applicants even joked about filing a complaint with Provincial Legal Officer Attorney John Paul Baguiwan, saying he might sympathize with them due to his having a similar height.

Governor James Edduba, meanwhile, said the proposal would be taken into consideration and instructed the concerned committees to review Amla’s suggestion. He noted that even the police allow waivers for shorter but otherwise qualified applicants, raising the question of why the pageant could not adopt a similar approach.

Initial guidelines

According to Committee Chairperson Dr. Beda Malecdan, as relayed by Provincial Information Officer Dionica Lagasi, the initial guidelines allow only one candidate per municipality, for a total of eight contestants.

Lagasi said the screening is scheduled on January 7 at the Kalinga Children’s Ward in Bulanao.

While most municipalities have already submitted their candidates, some, including Pasil and Pinukpuk, have yet to confirm their official entries. Lagasi also addressed concerns about whether the committee could accept more candidates than the original plan.

“We relayed that concern, but the response was that municipalities with reigning queens should allow them to compete since they have prepared for a year for this upcoming Miss Kalinga,” Lagasi said.

As preparations continue, officials emphasized that the pageant aims to strike a balance between participation and standards while showcasing the talent and culture of Kalinga’s young women. They assured that the committees will carefully review the height waiver proposal to ensure fairness and inclusivity.