In a nation where creativity flows as deeply as its rivers and resilience is woven into every community, Filipino women have long been the heart of culture—but rarely its public face. The Philippines is home to incredible artistic talent—but for far too long, Filipinas have been framed more as muses than as masters of their craft. They’ve inspired countless works of art, yet their own voices, visions, and leadership in the creative space have often been sidelined. Today, initiatives like the Sining Filipina national art competition are rewriting that story. Now in its third year, the 2026 edition is driving meaningful change under the powerful theme "Babae Para sa Bayan: Women Leading Change from Home to Nation."
Amplifying Diverse Voices Across the Archipelago
This year’s competition drew over 250 entries from every corner of the country, from Aparri in the northernmost tip of Luzon to Jolo in the southern reaches of Mindanao. Participants represented a wide spectrum of Filipino women: seasoned professional artists who have dedicated decades to their craft, emerging creatives just starting to share their work with the world, homemakers who turn everyday moments into art, entrepreneurs who blend creativity with business, and even women in correctional facilities—all of whom were given a vital platform to share their unique perspectives on leadership, community, and nation-building.
After careful review by a panel of respected art curators and cultural leaders, 55 artists were named semi-finalists, with 10 emerging as powerful ambassadors of contemporary Filipina expression. The top three winners represent the breadth and depth of talent across the Philippines:
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| 1st Place: "Helping Hands" by Marte Goyon (Manila) IN PHOTO (L-R) Ronald Ventura, Judge; Atty. Federico Tancongco, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, BDO; Manny Garibay, Judge; Marte Goyon; Elizabeth Sy, President and Chairperson, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.; Joaquin San Agustin, Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls. |
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| 2nd Place: "Liwanag ni Maria" by Mary Joy Go (Bulacan) IN PHOTO (L-R): Atty. Federico Tancongco, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, BDO; Ronald Ventura, Judge; Mary Joy Go; Elizabeth Sy, President and Chairperson, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.; Joaquin San Agustin, Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls. |
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| 3rd Place: "From Home Outward" by Gerlynnia Aprille Gargo (Cebu) IN PHOTO (L-R): Atty. Federico Tancongco, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, BDO; Joanne Z. Zapanta, President, Zonta Club of Makati and Environs Foundation Inc. (ZCME); Gerlynnia Gargo; Ms. Angela Hsu, Judge; Joaquin San Agustin, Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls. |
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| Special Award: 1 participant from the Women's Correctional Institution |
Art as a Force for Empowerment
Sining Filipina is more than just a competition—it’s a strategic vehicle for advancing women’s rights and opportunities across the Philippines. Proceeds from artwork sales support programs run by the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs Foundation Inc. (ZCME), a proud member of ZONTA International. These initiatives focus on empowering Filipino women through multiple avenues: providing scholarships for young women pursuing higher education, offering skills training to help women enter the workforce or start their own businesses, and advocating for policies that protect women from discrimination and violence.
By connecting art with advocacy, the movement ensures that every brushstroke, every sculpted form, and every creative concept contributes to building a more just and equitable nation. For many participating artists, especially those from marginalized communities, the competition is not only a chance to showcase their work but also to gain economic independence and become agents of change in their own neighborhoods.
The success of Sining Filipina 2026 is made possible through a strong and purposeful partnership between BDO Unibank, SM Supermalls, and ZCME. This cross-sector collaboration demonstrates how businesses and nonprofits can work together to amplify social impact, turning creativity into a tool for inclusive growth. BDO Unibank provides financial and logistical support to ensure the competition is accessible to women across all regions, while SM Supermalls offers prime space for the exhibit, making the art available to thousands of visitors daily. ZCME brings decades of experience in women’s empowerment, ensuring that the initiative’s goals are rooted in meaningful action.
Together, these partners are proving that when private enterprise and civil society align around a shared vision, they can create lasting change that benefits not just individual women, but entire communities.
The winning pieces and selected semi-finalist works are on display in a special exhibit at the L2 Atrium at The Podium until March 19. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a business leader looking to support social causes, or simply someone who wants to stand with Filipino women, visiting the exhibit gives you the chance to appreciate powerful art while contributing to a meaningful mission. Representatives from ZCME are on-site daily to answer questions about the programs supported by the initiative and assist with artwork purchases.
As we continue building a more equitable Philippines, initiatives like Sining Filipina remind us that creativity and leadership go hand in hand. When we elevate women’s voices in the arts, we pave the way for them to lead in every sphere of life—from their homes and communities to the highest levels of national development.
