ILOILO City – Three major stakeholders have officially inked a tripartite agreement for the 2023 staging of the world-class Dinagyang Festival – San Jose Parish Church represented by Rev. Fr. Renchie Vicente T. Senoro; Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) represented by its chairman, Judgee Peña, and its president, Jose Marie Layson Jr.; and the city government represented by Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.
Witnessing the signing were City Administrator Melchor Tan and Councilor Miguel Treñas.
According to Joyce Anne Clavecillas, IFFI’s executive director, the agreement laid down the duties and responsibilities of the three parties.
Also part of the agreement is the city government’s P30-million subsidy to the IFFI which will manages Dinagyang 2023.
Clavecillas said a big chunk of the fund will be used to subsidize competing tribes and other Dinagyang activities, and for the prizes.
The foundation is hopeful of raising a corresponding amount for the festival from sponsorships.
“We understand man that some of our corporate partners are still naga-amat-amat bangon from the pandemic. But we are still thankful that we can still feel the enthusiasm of our partners. We are doing our best to maximize the sourcing of additional fund para ma-mount naton ang mga kinahanglanon sa festival,” said Clavecillas.
Anchored on the theme, “Iloilo Dinagyang 2023: Pasalamat kay Señor Sto Niño”, next year’s staging of the festival will be the Ilonggos’ thanksgiving to Sto. Niño for the protection and grace especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Major Dinagyang events include the Dinagyang sa Barangay Tribes competition (Jan. 22), Dinagyang Ilomination, Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, Pamukaw on Dec. 16; Opening Salvo on Jan. 13; Miss Iloilo 2023 on Jan. 18; Dinagyang Food Festival from Jan. 19 to 22; Sto. Niño fluvial procession and solemn foot procession on Jan. 20; Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, Sponsors’ Mardi Gras, Grand Religious Sadsad, and Dinagyang Floats Parade of Lights on Jan. 21; and Feast Day of Señor Santo Niño De Cebu concelebrated high mass; and Dinagyang Awarding Ceremony on Jan. 22./PN
