SinagLarawan 2026 photo contest offers PHP 2.5 million prizes

By Mariela Angella Oladive

JTI Philippines launched the 2026 SinagLarawan Photo Contest in Iloilo City on June 11, opening a nationwide search for photographs that capture the Filipino spirit of celebration under this year’s theme, Pagbubunyi.

Now in its fourth year, the competition invites photographers across the country to document moments of triumph, solidarity, and shared joy, with more than PHP 2.5 million in cash prizes to be awarded to 100 winning entries.

The Iloilo launch featured a roadshow with local photography clubs, where organizers discussed this year’s competition mechanics and encouraged greater participation from photographers in Western Visayas.

A question-and-answer session with head judge Veejay Villafranca gave participants insights into visual storytelling and tips on preparing contest entries.

In a separate statement, JTI Philippines Corporate Affairs and Communications Director Shaiful Bahari Mahpar said this year’s Pagbubunyi theme seeks to capture the Filipino spirit of supporting one another and sharing in the triumphs of others.

The theme reflects the joy and empathy that characterize many Filipino communities.

“JTI deeply appreciates the dedication of Filipino photographers whose submissions reflect the vast talent and artistic excellence found across the country,” he said.

“We are proud of how SinagLarawan has evolved, and we remain committed to advancing it as a national platform that empowers and inspires photographers to capture the many dimensions of the Filipino experience with insight, authenticity, and exceptional creativity,” he added.

Derived from the Filipino words sinag, or ray of light, and larawan, or image, SinagLarawan is a community investment initiative of JTI Philippines that recognizes photographers who document the country’s heritage, culture, and everyday life.

The competition will confer 11 major awards, including SinagLarawan of the Year, first runner-up, second runner-up, and eight Circle of Excellence winners.

The SinagLarawan of the Year winner will receive PHP 150,000 in cash and a trophy, while the first and second runners-up will receive PHP 120,000 and PHP 100,000, respectively.

Eight Circle of Excellence winners will each receive PHP 80,000 and a trophy.

The affiliated clubs of the SinagLarawan of the Year, first runner-up, and second runner-up winners will also receive PHP 30,000, PHP 25,000, and PHP 20,000, respectively.

The affiliated clubs of the eight Circle of Excellence winners will each receive PHP 10,000.

The contest will also confer 13 special awards worth PHP 50,000 each.

The special awards include regional recognitions for photographers from Metro Manila, Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao, as well as the JTI Employee Choice Award.

Meanwhile, 76 finalists will each receive PHP 10,000 and an electronic certificate, completing the contest’s roster of 100 top images.

All winning photographs will be featured in the annual SinagLarawan photobook.

Major prize winners will be announced during a photo exhibit and awarding ceremony in October, while selected entries will also appear in JTI Philippines’ 2027 corporate calendar.

The contest is open to members of photography clubs and independent photographers endorsed by a photography club.

Participants must be at least 18 years old and may submit one photograph taken between January 2024 and July 2026.

Entries must include a title, location, and brief English description explaining how the image reflects the theme.

Submissions must be made through the official SinagLarawan website on or before Aug. 10, 2026.