BY MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ILOILO City – Eight school-based “tribes” are seeing action in the ati-atihan competition of the Dinagyang Festival on Jan. 28. The school of the grand winner will be receiving a total of P25-million worth of school projects.
The whooping prize was announced during the Dinagyang opening salvo on Friday, Jan. 12, at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.
“Dinagyang has provided us Ilonggos with a platform to showcase our faith and traditions at the same time promote respect and an appreciation for diversity,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas.
The eight tribes gave preview performances– Tribu Taga-Baryo (Bo. Obrero National High School), Tribu Mandu-Riyaw (Mandurriao National High School), Tribu Paghidaet (La Paz National High School), Tribu Pan-ay (Fort San Pedro National High School), Tribu Salognon (Jaro National High School), Tribu Sigabong (Ramon Avanceña National High School), Tribu Ilonganon, (Jalandoni Memorial National High School), and Tribu Silak (Iloilo City National High School).
“My sincerest thanks to Uswag Ilonggo party-list’s Rep. Jojo Ang for the P10-million worth of projects to be given to the winning Dinagyang school tribe. On top of that, I will add another P15-million worth of projects as prize for the champion, for a grand total of P25-million worth of projects,” said Treñas.
Dinagyang is the Hiligaynon word for revelry or merrymaking. The festival is Iloilo City’s version of the ati-atihan celebrations widely observed not only in Panay Island but also in other parts of the country.
“Without a doubt, Dinagyang is the festival to beat. As a three-time Best Tourism Event in the country, it known on the national and global stage. Dinagyang is one of the most highly anticipated events by visitors and tourists,” said Treñas.
The opening salvo was a “teaser” of what to expect on Jan. 28, said Treñas.
Before the tribes gave a ”sneak peek” of their performances, Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) president Allan Tan said, “The elaborate costumes, inspired choreography, and festive energy on display reflect the strong and joyful spirit that defines the Ilonggo community.”
He added: “Subong nga adlaw, makita gid naton kun ano ka-passionate kag creative ang kada tribu. Tanan nga ini, aton gid permi ginabalik kag ginahalad kay Señor Sto. Niño.”
The festival started in 1967. A replica of the Santo Niño de Cebu was brought from Cebu to the San Jose de Placer Church. The image was enthusiastically received by the Ilonggos who danced on the streets of Iloilo City to the beat of drums.
“I am forever grateful to our partners – the IFFI and San Jose de Placer Parish – for ensuring that we, Ilonggos, do not lose our love for our heritage, culture and tradition, most especially our reverence to Señor Sto. Niño,” said Treñas.
For his part, Tan said the “strong partnership of the city government and the private sector can lead to amazing results… When everyone is working hand in hand towards one goal, anything is possible.”/PN
