ILOILO City – The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 6 wanted lesser-known but promising festivals in Western Visayas to be featured in the Kasadyahan contest of the Dinagyang Festival in January 2019.
Kasadyahan is a competition of municipal- and provincial-based cultural festivals.
DOT-6 director Helen Catalbas said she requested the Kasadyahan committee chairperson, Dr. Eden Deriada, to focus more on lesser-known festivals of the region.
“We want them to be seen on a bigger stage para maka-level up man sila,” said Catalbas.
The more established festivals, said Catalbas, could compete in bigger tournaments such as the annual Aliwan Fiesta in Metro Manila.
DOT-6 affirmed its support to the Dinagyang Festival. For 2019, it committed a minimum of P100, 000 financial for the Kasadyahan contest.
According to Deriada, two have so far confirmed their participation – Nabas, Aklan and Talisay City, Negros Occidental.
“Our regional cultural presentation is open to all provinces in Western Visayas, she said.
The Kasadyahan committee of the Dinagyang 2019 targets to gather 10 participants in the Kasadyahan contest./PN
