A celebration of community support, service, and generosity took center stage in Calubian as Roje Sirikit E. Matutes of Calubian National High School (CNHS) was crowned the Most Popular Queen of Calubian 2026 after raising a remarkable ₱920,364.25, with proceeds set to support the construction of the new facade of the Shrine Parish of Our Lady of Fatima.
CALUBIAN, LEYTE — The 107th Town Fiesta of the Municipality of Calubian, Leyte, has added yet another memorable chapter to its annual celebration, with Roje Sirikit E. Matutes, the candidate representing Calubian National High School (CNHS), being crowned the Most Popular Queen of Calubian 2026.
CNHS, the sponsoring agency, is under the leadership of School Principal Dr. Isidore Vicente V. Villarino. Matutes emerged victorious in a highly anticipated fundraising competition that brought together representatives from various government agencies, schools, institutions, and business groups across the municipality.
The town fiesta, celebrated from August 6 to 17, 2026, honors the municipality’s patron saints, Our Lady of Fatima and Señor San Roque, with a series of religious, cultural, civic, and community activities designed to bring residents together in celebration of Calubian’s faith, traditions, and local identity.
Among the highlights of this year’s festivities is the Most Popular Queen competition, which not only provides an avenue for camaraderie and community participation but also serves a meaningful charitable purpose. The competition brought together several participating groups, each rallying support for its chosen candidate and contributing to a fundraising campaign intended to benefit a community project.
MOST POPULAR QUEEN CANDIDATES 2026 FINAL RESULT
| Sponsoring Agencies | Name of Candidate | Gross Amount Canvassed | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. LGU/SB/NAT’L. EMPL. | IRISH ROSALES SANCHEZ | 134,340 | 3rd |
| 2. CNHS | ROJIE SIRIKIT E. MATUTES | 920,364.25 | Queen |
| 3. DEPED NORTH | DONNA MAE S. TAHUP | 90,150 | 5th |
| 4. DEPED SOUTH | MIRASOL L. MANATAD | 176,390 | 2nd |
| 5. FCLNHS/RCMNHS/NWLDH | ROGELYN ORBITA BALDAGO | 95,215 | 4th |
| 6. MSH/OLFPS/TESDA/BUSINESS | CATHERINE E. DY SOTTO | 488,070 | 1st |
After the canvassing of contributions and support, Matutes emerged as the winner, representing CNHS and earning a total canvassed amount of ₱920,364.25.
Her victory was met with celebration and pride by the CNHS community, which described the achievement as more than just a pageant victory. For Matutes, the recognition carries a deeper meaning as she approaches the later part of her public service career and prepares for retirement.
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In her expression of gratitude following the announcement, Matutes gave thanks to God Almighty, her family, friends, colleagues, supporters, and everyone who contributed to her campaign and helped make the achievement possible. The overwhelming support she received from the community became a testament to the relationships she has built throughout her years of service.
Her victory also holds special significance for CNHS, where she has become a respected member of the school community. As she looks toward retirement, being recognized as the Most Popular Queen of Calubian 2026 provides a memorable milestone that will form part of her legacy before she eventually leaves the institution.
For many of her supporters, the victory was not simply about collecting the largest amount of contributions. It was also a celebration of Matutes’ years of service, her connection with the community, and the support and respect she has earned from colleagues, students, families, and residents of Calubian.
Adding further significance to the competition is its charitable objective. The proceeds generated through the Most Popular Queen campaign will be donated to support the construction of the new facade of the Shrine Parish of Our Lady of Fatima in Calubian, Leyte.
The fundraising initiative therefore transformed what could have been an ordinary popularity competition into a community-driven effort for a religious and cultural landmark. Through the participation of different sectors of Calubian, the activity demonstrated how local celebrations can also become opportunities to mobilize support for projects that benefit the wider community.
Matutes’ achievement has consequently been celebrated not only as a victory for CNHS but also as a contribution to a cause that forms part of the town’s religious heritage.
The CNHS family extended its warmest congratulations to Matutes, recognizing her accomplishment as a well-deserved victory for a worthy cause. Her supporters likewise expressed appreciation to the individuals who contributed to the campaign and helped CNHS achieve the winning total.
The celebration will continue with the much-anticipated Coronation Night on August 15, 2026, at the Calubian Sports Complex, where the festivities are expected to gather residents, government employees, educators, students, families, and visitors for another major event in the municipality’s 107th town fiesta.
As Calubian continues its weeklong celebration, the success of the Most Popular Queen competition reflects the strong sense of community that remains at the heart of the town fiesta. Beyond the competition, the event has brought together different institutions and sectors in a common effort to celebrate local personalities, strengthen community relationships, and raise funds for a shared cause.
For Matutes, however, the recognition carries an even more personal meaning. With retirement approaching, her victory provides a fitting and memorable moment in what has been a long journey of service. Before she eventually leaves Calubian National High School, she now leaves behind another chapter in her legacy to marked by community support, generosity, and a crown earned through the collective efforts of those who stood behind her.
Congratulations, Ma’am Roje Sirikit E. Matutes, the Most Popular Queen of Calubian 2026, and congratulations as well to the entire Calubian National High School family for a victory that celebrates both achievement and service to the community. /aptikons