BY ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
THE DINAGSA Festival of Cadiz City in Negros Occidental is one of the many vibrant fiestas in the country held every January in honor of the Child Jesus, Señor Santo Niño. This year, however, Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. introduced a unique twist to the much-anticipated Dinagsa street dance competition to make it stand out.
Amid the familiar chants of “Viva Pit Señor Santo Niño!” and the thunderous rhythm of drums, the 50th Dinagsa Festival on Sunday, January 26, went beyond the usual expressions of faith and devotion. It became a powerful platform for Cadiz’s advocacies on environmental protection and biodiversity conservation—crucial issues in the face of worsening ecological degradation.
With more than 100,000 spectators in attendance, according to police estimates, the Dinagsa street dance competition paid homage to Sr. Santo Niño de Cadiz, while simultaneously raising awareness about pressing environmental concerns. The event emphasized the urgent need for sustainable reforestation, the fight against illegal fishing, marine conservation, wildlife protection, and even the promotion of organic farming.
These advocacies reflect the broader challenges posed by global warming and climate change, which have already brought about severe impacts on livelihoods and communities. Without immediate mitigating measures, these threats are bound to worsen.
Cadiz, now a first-class component city in Negros Occidental, is often referred to as the “Land of Splendid Opportunities.” It is gradually becoming an investment hub in northern Negros. Yet, under Mayor Escalante’s leadership, the city has consistently sought to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation.
CLEAN WETLANDS
That’s why illegal fishing is strictly prohibited in Cadiz’s territorial waters. This policy aims to ensure sustainable fishing practices that preserve the city’s famous oga (dried fish) industry, which has been a hallmark of Cadiz for generations.
The city also maintains a 9.7-hectare “No Fishing Zone” dedicated to fostering marine biodiversity. This area, dubbed G.C. Ville, is akin to a “subdivision at sea” and is located near the renowned Lakawon Island Resort in Barangay Cadiz Viejo. Within G.C. Ville thrive 2,718 giant clams of various species, underscoring Cadiz’s commitment to marine conservation.
Beyond its marine initiatives, Cadiz’s mudflats and wetlands are gaining recognition as a haven for migratory birds. These areas have seen an influx of avian visitors, with the most recent sighting documented this January—a parliamentary of Northern Shovelers (Spatula clypeata). According to Joseph Caceres, head of the city’s Ecosystem and Environmental Resource Management Office, this medium-sized duck species, known for its distinctive spoon-shaped bill, typically thrives in North America and Southern Europe.
In a bid to elevate its wetlands to global prominence, Cadiz has submitted an application for Ramsar recognition, which would designate these ecosystems as wetlands of international significance. Mayor Escalante remains optimistic about the city’s chances, citing their consistent efforts to sustain and protect these vital areas. From the Talaban River to the estuaries of the Sicaba River, and along the shoreline stretching from Barangay Daga to Barangay Cadiz Viejo, the city ensures that its wetlands remain clean and provide sustainable food sources for all creatures that inhabit them.
PRESERVING NATURAL HERITAGE
Cadiz’s Sitio Manara in Barangay Celestino Villacin is home to the city’s indigenous Ata tribe. As the remotest sitio in Cadiz, Mayor Escalante envisions preserving this area — not just to safeguard the Ata’s rich culture and history, but also to protect the living creatures that form part of their natural heritage. Among these are endangered species that hold significant value to the indigenous community.
During the Dinagsa street dance competition, miniatures of monkeys and birds were prominently featured, symbolizing the city government’s dedication to conserving the wildlife in its upland areas. These representations underscored the city’s serious efforts to protect its remaining populations of these animals and to ensure their survival amidst modernization.
In late December 2024, Cadiz faced the devastation of flash floods that submerged four out of its 22 barangays. The floods, occurring on December 22 and 27, served as a wake-up call for the local government. Through the Dinagsa dance competition, the city amplified its advocacy for forest conservation and watershed protection — critical measures to prevent similar calamities in the future.
Despite these environmental challenges, Mayor Escalante remains hopeful. He firmly believes that Sr. Santo Niño de Cadiz will continue to watch over the city and its people, guiding them through adversity and toward sustainable progress.
HAILABLE MOVE
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya commended Cadiz City for its innovative approach in transforming the Dinagsa street dance competition into a remarkable platform for promoting environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.
“This is a laudable initiative worthy of emulation,” Gerangaya said. “I hope other local governments in Negros Occidental will follow suit.”
Reflecting on the event, he added, “Witnessing the Dinagsa street dance competition, I can confidently say — it has truly evolved. Combining cultural and historical dance dramas by the indigenous Atis, while simultaneously praising and worshipping Señor Santo Niño, with the integration of environmental advocacies, is no simple feat. Yet, Cadiz managed to pull it off in a spectacular way.”
Mayor Escalante, Gerangaya noted, struck a delicate balance — and he succeeded. By weaving environmental campaigns and biodiversity conservation efforts into the Dinagsa street dance competition, Cadiz created something truly unique.
Only at Dinagsa. Only in Cadiz./PN
