BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – The opening salvo of the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan competition of the Dinagyang Festival 2025 yesterday, January 9, was generally peaceful and orderly, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) said.
In an interview with Panay News, Police Colonel Kim Legada, ICPO director, expressed satisfaction with the event’s overall management.
“Ang crowd ta diri sa Freedom Grandstand is full capacity. Indi pa maayo ang panahon, so ang aton spectators nagasalaka pa diri sa grandstand pati ang performers,” said Legada, referring to the rainy weather that prompted spectators and performers to seek cover.
Legada commended the organization of the event, highlighting the effective traffic management and the public’s cooperation.
“So far, very organized ang paghiwat naton sang opening salvo. Ang aton nga traffic management and ang aton pumuluyo, they were well-informed sa mga oras sang road closure. So far, wala gid nag-traffic,” he said.
To ensure safety and order, the ICPO deployed around 200 personnel to the event, with additional officers stationed at strategic points, particularly at road closure areas.
“Maliban sa 200, may ara pa kita sang mga outskirts nga naka-deploy, especially sa mga start sang road closure,” Legada added.
The Iloilo Freedom Grandstand accommodated approximately 4,000 spectators, while an estimated 1,000 people gathered at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, which has a smaller capacity, the ICPO director said.
The nine Kasadyahan contingents competing on January 25 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/PN
