The nationwide SinagLarawan Photo Contest has opened its 2026 edition with the theme Pagbubunyi, inviting photographers across the Philippines to capture everyday victories and the many ways Filipinos celebrate them.

Now on its fourth year, the SinagLarawan Photo Contest is a Community Investment initiative of JTI Philippines.  The competition aims to recognize the caliber and creativity of Filipino photographers in documenting history, preserving the different aspects of our culture, and capturing the traits and traditions that shape the Filipino identity.   

This year’s theme highlights the Filipino spirit of support, pride, and shared joy in the success of others. Entries will be accepted until August 10.

“Filipinos are joyful and deeply emphatic, and Pagbubunyi is an attempt to capture how Pinoys find ways to help and support one another and how jubilant we are in witnessing their triumphs,” said Shaiful Bahari Mahpar, Director for Corporate Affairs and Communications at JTI Philippines.

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

As part of this year’s campaign, SinagLarawan includes roadshows in Iloilo City and Cagayan de Oro City, following its Manila launch, to engage more photography communities and encourage broader participation.

The Prizes. SinagLarawan will award over ₱2.5 million in cash prizes this year. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges recognized for their contribution to photography and the arts and culture sector.

The 11 main prizes, composed of the Top 3 and the eight Circle of Excellence winners, will recognize both the individual photographers and their affiliated photo clubs.

The SinagLarawan of the Year winner will receive a ₱150,000 cash prize and a trophy, with their photo club receiving ₱30,000 and a certificate. First Runner Up will get ₱120,000 and a trophy, with their club receiving ₱25,000 and a certificate. Finally, the Second Runner Up will be awarded ₱100,000 and a trophy, with ₱20,000 and a certificate for their club. The Circle of Excellence winners will each receive a cash prize of ₱80,000 and a trophy, while their respective clubs receive ₱10,000 and a certificate each.

SinagLarawan will also confer 13 Special Awards, with each winner receiving ₱50,000 and a certificate. These include the Rehiyon Awards for the top 3 photographers from Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, as well as its special JTI Employee Choice Award. 

In addition, 76 Finalists will complete the roster of the top 100 images, each receiving ₱ 10,000 in cash and an e-certificate.

All 100 winning photographs will be featured in the SinagLarawan photobook. Major prize winners will be announced during a photo exhibit and awards event in October, and the winning works will also appear in JTI’s 2027 corporate calendar.

How to Join. The SinagLarawan 2026 Photo Contest is open to all members of photography clubs and independent photographers endorsed by a photography club. Participants must be 18 years old and above.

All entries must be submitted through the official JTI SinagLarawan website, jtisinaglarawan.com, until August 10, 2026. Eligible photographers may submit one digital photo together with a title, a brief description in English of how the entry reflects the theme, and the location where the photo submission was taken. Only photos taken from January 2024 to July 2026 will be accepted, and participants are allowed only one entry each. 

For the full details, check out the Contest Mechanics.