Miss Puerto Princesa 2026 candidates formally introduced

Thirty candidates for Miss Puerto Princesa 2026 were formally introduced during a sashing ceremony and press presentation held on Saturday, January 17, at the Activity Center of SM City Puerto Princesa.

Candidates supported by schools and barangays drew early attention from the media, particularly those representing the Fulbright College and several barangays in the city.

During the event, members of the Island Press Association of Palawan (iPAP) named the Darling of the Press winners for each cluster.

Joyce Biares of Fullbright College was chosen as Darling of the Press for the población cluster. Jamie Caguioa of Barangay Buenavista received the same recognition for the northern barangays, while Arlyn Ami Hambali of Barangay Kamuning was selected for the southern barangays.

Members of the media group said the selection was based on the candidates’ confidence, stage presence, and how they handled interviews with the press.

Event organizers said the 30 candidates represent different schools and barangays in Puerto Princesa.

Seven candidates are from northern barangays, seven from southern barangays, and 16 from población barangays.

Several candidates from Barangay San Rafael, Barangay Kamuning, and Fullbright College also received special awards from pageant sponsors during the program.

Below is the list of candidates:

MISS PUERTO PRINCESA 2026
Official Candidates (FINAL)

NORTH Candidates
– Bahile – Jessica Rein M. Tidalgo
– Binduyan – Marissa S. Cebu
– Buenavista – Jamie F. Caguioa
– Cabayugan – Katrine Bea O. Prangan
– Concepcion – Gillian R. Dayrit
– San Rafael – Beyonce D. Salvo
– Santa Cruz – Jericha Jade D. Tesoro

SOUTH Candidates
– Inagawan – Sub Colony – Jannah Michelle L. Cojamco
– Iwahig – Andrea Gail J. Garcia
– Kamuning – Arlyn Ami Hambali
– Luzviminda National High School – Princess Mikaela D. Bocado
– Manginigda – Jenny A. Biatingo
– Napsan – Grace Loren G. Loquillano
– Sta. Lucia – Juliana Joyce G. Padios

POBLACION Candidates
– Bagong Sikat – Grace Ann V. Relator
– Bagong Silang – Collyn V. Cabando
– Fullbright College – Joyce P. Biares
– Irawan – Chin Aldea P. Cacho
– Mandaragat – Klarisse A. Quemado
– Maningning – Syana M. Ponseca
– Palawan Technological College, Incorporated – Maria Lea C. Eduarte
– San Miguel – Sheena Mae S. Paredes
– Sta. Monica National High School – Rovie Shane D. Valera
– San Jose – May Fe Jade D. Maru
– Sicsican National High School – Mery Ann B. Cuatrona
– Sicsican – Jolina L. Gallego
– San Pedro – Marhama J. Issek
– Sta. Monica – Princess Keah P. Villacastin
– STI College – Raiza M. Villegas
– Tiniguiban – Zyrhyne Izette V. Luces

The sashing ceremony is part of the activities marking the 154th founding anniversary of Puerto Princesa and the 22nd Balayong Festival.

The coronation night of Miss Puerto Princesa 2026 is set on March 4 at the Edward S. Hagedorn Coliseum.

By Palawan News/Chris Barrientos