Las Piñas celebrates 19th Waterlily Festival

A plant once considered an environmental nuisance took center stage as a symbol of sustainability and local livelihood during the 19th Las Piñas Waterlily Festival last Saturday.

Led by the Villar Foundation, the annual event highlights the transformation of water hyacinths — commonly known as water lilies — from invasive weeds that clogged city waterways into handcrafted goods that support local families.

The celebration featured the Miss Las Piñas Waterlily 2026 pageant, where contestants wore gowns woven from water lilies, and the Sayaw Kabataan environmental dance competition, which showcased performances focused on conservation and community resilience.

Former Senator Cynthia Villar recalled how water lilies were once a major issue along the city's Prinza River, where the plants multiplied rapidly, blocked waterways, and exacerbated flooding.

"Before, the water lily was a big problem," Villar said. "But I always believe that it can become an opportunity if we are willing to look at it differently. We can make use of the water lily."

The initiative originated from the Sagip Ilog Program, which aimed to rehabilitate the Las Piñas River through regular cleanups.

To address the large volume of harvested plants, the Villar Foundation launched the Water Lily Weaving Project, training residents to craft baskets, sleeping mats, laundry hampers, bags and home decor.

The effort led to the inaugural festival in 2005, giving local weavers a platform to market products while promoting environmental awareness.

Every barangay in the city now participates in the event. Community members collaborate to weave pageant gowns, build costumes, and choreograph dance routines using recycled and locally sourced materials.

In the dance competition, the Sigla Dance Company of Barangay Talon Tres took first place. The Synergy Dance Troupe of Barangay Talon Uno placed as first runner-up, and the Bahaghari Dance Troupe of Barangay BF International CAA finished as second runner-up.

Entries were judged on concept and theme (30 percent), performance (40 percent), upbeat music (15 percent) and costume and props (15 percent).

In the pageant, Elise Gawaran Jeres of Barangay Talon Uno was crowned Miss Waterlily 2026 while wearing a gown made from woven water lilies. Daphne Leigh Chrisman of Barangay Pilar was named first runner-up, and Zaira Antonella Contis of Barangay Almanza Uno took second runner-up.