BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The Dinagyang Festival is undoubtedly one of the grandest festivals in the country and it is getting “better and better every year,” said Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.
The 56th year of Dinagyang concluded yesterday with jaw-dropping performances by the nine competing tribes, which showcased their energy and precision in their rhythmic dances, vibrant costumes, and passionate devotion to the Child Jesus.
Treñas said Dinagyang has come a long way and that more and more people would come to Iloilo City just to witness the grand festivity.
“I hope you share the same enthusiasm, knowing that you have all come in full force today just to be part of our world-renowned and multi-awarded festival,” the mayor said.
He also thanked the city government’s partners, the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. and San Jose de Placer Parish, in ensuring that Dinagyang Festival can showcase locally and globally.
Treñas acknowledged the hard work of everyone involved in the planning, preparation, and implementation of programs and activities leading to yesterday’s highlight.
“The amount of time, energy, effort, and resources poured into Dinagyang is no mean feat. I salute you all for your unwavering commitment to make this annual festival happen.”
He also announced the grand winner of the tribes competition will get a total of P25-million worth of projects.
The champion will receive P10-million worth of school projects from Cong. Jojo Ang of Uswag Ilonggo party-list, and another P15 million from the city government. Each participating school will also receive P5-million worth of projects.
“We are giving our all-out support because we know how the schools prepared so much to give us the best of Dinagyang,” said Treñas.
Treñas congratulated the participating tribes and corporate sponsors, among others.
The city government’s major corporate partner for this year’s Dinagyang was SM City Iloilo, which became the main venue of the Dinagyang ILOmination on Jan. 26.
Through its “AweSM Iloilo 2024” campaign, SM City Iloilo truly became the heartbeat of the Dinagyang festivities.
The festivities were also graced by local and national leaders including House Speaker Martin Romualdez, senators Risa Hontiveros, Bong Revilla, Lito Lapid, Bong Go, Francis Tolentino, Lito Lapid and son Mark (general manager of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, and former senator Bam Aquino, and several dignitaries from foreign embassies.
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./PN
