ILOILO City – Due to the positive public response to last year’s Dinagyang Festival’s pioneering parade of lighted floats, the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc. (IDFI) has decided to stage it again this year.
The 2nd Dinagyang Float Parade of Lights will be on the night of Jan. 26.
At least 20 participants already confirmed their entries, said Atty. Jobert Peñaflorida, head of the Dinagyang Float Parade of Lights committee.
He wasn’t sure yet, however, which of these would be competing and non-competing entries.
The participants were a mix of corporate sponsors, local government units and civic organizations, said Peñaflorida.
“The parade would be on Diversion Road (Mandurriao district),” he added.
The Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO) of the city government recommended four lanes for the parade from the Diversion Bridge where participants would assemble up to the Iloilo Business Park.
“Unlike last year nga isa lang ka-lane, this year the whole four lanes i-devote sa Float Parade of Lights. Last year ang mga tawo nagadinalagan sa tunga. We have to ensure our safety,” said Peñaflorida.
There would only be one judging area – along Festive Mall at the Iloilo Business Park.
The floats would end at Courtyard by Marriot hotel where spectators would be given photo opportunities with the entries.
The prize for the “best float” is P250,000. The second placer will get P200,000 and the third placer, P150,000.
The criteria are: splendor (20 percent), uniqueness (20 percent), lighting effects (20 percent), workmanship and creativity (20 percent), use of indigenous materials (10 percent), execution of concept (10 percent).
Peñaflorida said the municipality of Anilao in Iloilo province will join the parade. The town is known for its annual Banaag Festival, a “festival of lights.”
A fireworks display will close the Float Parade of Lights./PN
