A teachers’ choir from Cavite took the top honor in a national showcase of public-sector musical talent, with the Dasmariñas City Teachers’ Chorale emerging as grand champion of the Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) Himig Lingkod Bayani: 2026 Government Choral Competition.
The competition was held at the Metropolitan Theater on Sept. 17 as part of the 126th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary celebration, bringing government choirs together for a showcase of musical performance, coordination and artistry.
RELATED: [Cavite Unveils 1st Integrated Facility for PWDs]
Dasmariñas Chorale Takes Top Prize and Special Honors
The Dasmariñas City Teachers’ Chorale received a trophy and P300,000 for winning the competition. Coro de Rentas Internas finished as first runner-up with a trophy and P250,000, while the Department of Education (DepEd) Bohol Chorale placed second runner-up and received P200,000 and a trophy.
Coro Davao de Oro completed the top four as third runner-up, taking home P150,000 and a trophy.
Several of the competing groups also earned special recognition. Coro de Rentas Internas, Dasmariñas City Teachers’ Chorale, DepEd Bohol Chorale, and Coro Davao de Oro were named best cluster entries.
The Dasmariñas City Teachers’ Chorale also won best interpretation of the competition song, earning P30,000 and a certificate of acknowledgment. The group was likewise recognized for best arrangement of the competition song, while Coro de Rentas Internas received the best conductor award. Both received P30,000 and a certificate of acknowledgment.
Public Servants Showcase Talent Through Music
The remaining four grand finalists were Atimonan (local government unit) Chorale, Matatag Batangan Chorale (Batangas), SDO Manila Teachers Chorale, and Taguig City Employees Chorale. Each received P100,000 and a certificate of participation, according to the CSC.
The competition’s judging panel included National Artist for Music Ramon Santos, National Artist for Music Raymundo Cayabyab, Jonathan Velasco, first president of the Philippine Choral Directors Association (PCDA), Mark Anthony Carpio, choirmaster of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and Ramon Lijauco Jr., PCDA president.
Himig Lingkod Bayani 2026 was organized in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Metropolitan Theater. The event highlighted “Galing sa Paglilingkod” (Excellence in Service) through the talent, artistry and teamwork of public servants nationwide, CSC chairman Marilyn Yap said.
Beyond the competition itself, events like this give public servants a platform to demonstrate skills and interests outside their regular government roles. The recognition also puts a spotlight on the people behind public institutions, showing how government employees can contribute to cultural life and community identity alongside their day-to-day service.
RELATED: [Cavite Invests P500-M to Modernize Healthcare Facilities]
