Kiangan LGU is 2025 ‘Gotad ad Ifugao’ overall champion

Ifugao, Philippines –Kiangan town outperformed all other municipalities and became the top and claimed the title of overall champion in the Gotad ad Ifugao 2025, a celebration marking the province’s 59th founding anniversary held from June 2 to 18, 2025.

With a commanding 63.16 points, Kiangan earned not only applause but also a reward of P1.5 million worth of development projects set for implementation for calendar year 2026.

The town conquered cornerstone competitions of the festival that pulsed with the rhythm of Ifugao’s living heritage. It clinched championships in Cultural Parade, Street Dance Competition, Muntalakid hi Atag, Munkail/Munkiwa hi Baya, and in both men’s and women’s categories of Guyyudan or tug of war.

Leading Kiangan’s victory was not only muscles and strength, but also beauty, grace and intellect. The town’s representative, Hannieh Lee Ayahao was crowned as “Bugan di Gotad ad Ifugao 2025,” while her counterpart, Jeremy D. Dulnuan emerged as first runner-up in this year’s edition of  “Wigan di Gotad ad Ifugao,” adding pride to their hometown.

‘A testament to the enduring spirit, unity, and cultural pride of every iKiangan’

Following the announcement of the top winners, the local government unit of Kiangan honored the collective effort behind their feat.

“To all iKiangans who led with vision, worked with dedication, performed with heart, and supported whether in silence or the spotlight, this victory belongs to you...Together, we have proven that when a community stands as one, no dream is too far, no goal is unreachable. Our culture lives on, our unity shines through,” reads the LGU’s statement.

“This remarkable triumph is more than just a title; it is a testament to the enduring spirit, unity, and cultural pride of every iKiangan. It echoes the rhythm of our heritage and the heartbeat of a community that moves as one,” it added.

Other winners

Trailing behind Kiangan was Hungduan with 58.15 points, maintaining its last year’s rank and earning P1.2 million in development support.

From being the champion last year, Lagawe landed third with 55.5 points, garnering a reward of P1 million in projects. Meanwhile, Hingyon climbed from sixth to fourth place with 50.85 points.

Asipulo and Lamut followed in fifth and sixth place with 45.7 and 45.2 points, respectively, while Tinoc held steady at seventh place with 33.1 points.

All four municipalities from the second district, namely, Banaue (8th with 23.75 points), Aguinaldo (9th with 19.6 points), Alfonso Lista (10th with 5.5 points), and Mayoyao (11th with 2 points), retained their rankings from last year.

With the bannered theme of Gotad ad Ifugao: “Gotad di Nitaguwan, Pun-oh-ohaan ya Kipkiphodan (A Celebration of Culture, Solidarity, and Progress),” this year’s fest was more than a competition but a celebration of tradition, identity, and resilience, and Kiangan’s victory stands as an example of what unity and commitment to heritage can achieve.