ILOILO – All nine tribes participating in the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan competition of the Dinagyang Festival 2025 are giving preview performances this Thursday, January 9, at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.
The competition is on January 25.
Gilbert Marin, head of the Provincial Culture, Arts, History, and Tourism Office (PCAHTO), said Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan is a platform to highlight the province’s rich culture, customs, and traditions, aligning with Iloilo’s tourism slogan: “Fun, Foodie, Friendly Iloilo”.
The nine Kasadyahan contingents are the following:
* Banaag Festival of Anilao
* Kaing Festival of Leon
* Tawili Festival of San Rafael
* Hirinugyaw Suguidanonay Festival of Calinog
* Tinuom Festival of Cabatuan
* Cry of Jelicuon Festival of New Lucena
* Tangyan Festival of Igbaras
* Haw-as Festival of Dumangas
* Tultugan Festival of Maasin
Marin held a meeting on January 6 with the tribes’ managers and municipal tourism officers to finalize preparations and ensure readiness for the performances.
Innovations in Performances
Tultugan Festival of Maasin, the defending champion, promises significant innovations this year.
Artistic Director Ron Mathews Espinosa shared that their presentation will go beyond showcasing bamboo products to include the wide-ranging uses of bamboo in food, architecture, and more.
“Just like bamboo, the possibilities are flexible. This is what we aim to explore and present to the audience,” Espinosa said.
He also invited Ilonggos to witness their performance, emphasizing its world-class appeal.
Competitive Spirit Among Tribes
Meanwhile, Dumangas’ Haw-as Festival is focused on highlighting the municipality’s aquaculture products, such as milkfish, aligning with the province’s tourism slogan.
Dumangas Tourism Officer Roderick Ticar expressed their determination to deliver a standout performance.
“Competition is always good. While we haven’t won yet, this makes us hungrier to succeed,” Ticar said.
Boosting Iloilo’s Tourism and Investment Potential
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. underscored the role of the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan in promoting tourism and investment opportunities in Iloilo. He described the festival as a “cultural stage” where municipalities can showcase their unique offerings.
“Our municipalities are fun, foodie, and friendly. This is a mix of culture, arts, history, and tradition,” the governor said.
Financial Support for Tribes
The provincial government has increased financial subsidies for the nine tribes, with second to fifth-class municipalities receiving P2 million each. These include Cabatuan, Leon, Maasin, Igbaras, Anilao, New Lucena, and San Rafael.
First-class municipalities Calinog and Dumangas will receive P1.5 million each, an upgrade from the P1 million subsidy provided in 2024./PN