ILOILO City – Will you enjoy wandering around Iloilo City during this festive season if there are tons of trash anywhere you go?
Minimize waste and practice proper waste management, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) urged Dinagyang Festival revelers.
The two-day highlight events of the festival – the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 25, and the Dinagyang Ati Tribe Competition on Sunday morning, Jan. 26 – coincide with the observance of Zero Waste Month.
Raul Lorilla, regional executive director of DENR Region 6, appealed to festivalgoers to embrace environmental responsibility.
“We encourage everyone to practice waste management. Let this season mark the beginning of a new tradition where celebration meets sustainability,” Lorilla said.
Thousands of spectators are expected to pack the four performance areas for the Kasadyahan and At tribes competitions – Freedom Grandstand, Provincial Capitol, Quezon-Ledesma Street, and Mabini-Delgado Street.
Lorilla cited the impact of waste on the festival experience, urging everyone to adopt the “Clean as You Go” (CLAYGO) practice.
“Local and foreign tourists are likewise reminded to be responsible consumers,” added Lorilla.
Last year, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office collected over 100 tons of waste during the Dinagyang highlights, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to promote cleanliness and environmental awareness.
To support waste reduction, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region 6 shared the following eco-friendly tips:
* Bring reusable water bottles and tumblers.
* Clean as you go.
* Support vendors who use sustainable packaging.
* Avoid single-use items like plastic straws and bags.
* Use designated trash bins and recycling containers.
“We must work hand in hand to reduce the total garbage generated during this year’s Dinagyang Festival,” said EMB-6 regional director Atty. Ramar Niel V. Pascua.
Mayor Treñas’ Reminder
Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas echoed the DENR’s call for responsible waste management.
“Please use the designated garbage areas, and vendors are reminded to provide their own garbage bins to properly manage their waste,” Treñas said.
He also urged revelers to respect the city’s plants and greenery, noting the efforts of city gardeners.
“Our gardeners work hard every day to ensure that Iloilo City remains beautiful and vibrant. Let us celebrate responsibly — please do not step on the plants or urinate indiscriminately,” he added.
Portable toilets, or “portalets,” have been strategically placed near performance areas to address sanitation concerns.
Treñas also commended the dedication of street sweepers, who work tirelessly to keep the festival areas clean.
A Festival of Culture and Responsibility
The Dinagyang Festival, held annually in January, celebrates the Santo Niño (Child Jesus) and the arrival of Malay settlers on Panay Island. Known for its colorful street dances, pulsating drumbeats, and elaborate costumes, it attracts thousands of local and international visitors.
Treñas called on everyone to make the festival an expression of both cultural pride and environmental commitment.
“Let us make this year’s Dinagyang Festival not only a celebration of culture but also an expression of our commitment to keeping Iloilo City clean, safe, and orderly,” he stressed.
Competing contingents in the Kasasdyahan are Banaag Festival of Anilao; Kaing Festival of Leon; Tawili Festival of San Rafael; Hirinugyaw-Suguidadonay Festival of Calinog; Tinuom Festival of Cabatuan; Cry of Jelicuon Festival of New Lucena; Tangyan Festival of Igbaras; Haw-as Festival of Dumangas; and Tultugan Festival of Maasin.
For the Ati tribes competition, the participants are Tribu Parianon of Molo District; Tribu Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National High School; Tribu Paghidaet of La Paz National High School; Tribu Salognon of Jaro National High School; Tribu Ilonganon of Jalandoni Memorial National High School; Tribu Pag-asa kang Manduryaw of Mandurriao District; Tribu Hangaway of Graciano Lopez Jaena Elementary School; and Tribu Molave of Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao./PN
