ILOILO City – Dinagyang Festival has helped unite Ilonggos as a people with “a strong tradition and devotion” to Señor Santo Niño, according to Mayor Jose Espinosa III. For the 51st edition of the world-famous celebration, he said “Ilonggos must become one” once more.
The annual Dinagyang is being staged in honor and thanksgiving to the Child Jesus. This year’s festival theme is “Connecting Communities through Culture and Faith.” Its religious aspect, on the other hand, is focused on the “Devotion to Señor Santo Niño: Well-spring of a Vibrant and Humble Service.”
Sen. Cynthia Villar, a patron of Iloilo City’s programs, is the main keynote speaker in today’s dagyang tribes competition at the new main performance area – the P45-million new Iloilo City Dinagyang Grandstand on Muelle Loney Street.
Also a stalwart of education, environment, social and civic concerns, Villar champions livelihood programs in this city and other parts of the country.
Dinagyang is the Hiligaynon word for revelry or merrymaking. The Dinagyang Festival is known for the participants’ impressive choreography and striking costumes that reflect the ingenuity, craftsmanship and artistry of the Ilonggos.
Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has also confirmed his attendance to the Dinagyang.
“He will be one of our keynote speakers, too,” said Mayor Espinosa.
Over 6,000 security personnel and force multipliers will be securing the thousands of revelers and guests today.
According to Senior Superintendent Martin Defensor Jr., Iloilo City Police Office director, the security forces are composed of the Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, Special Action Force, Philippine National Police, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and civilian volunteers among other force multipliers.
Dinagyang Festival started in 1967. A replica of the Santo Niño de Cebu was brought from Cebu to the San Jose de Placer Church. The image was enthusiastically received by the Ilonggos who danced on the streets of Iloilo City.
Mayor Espinosa appealed to spectators to help ensure the cleanliness of Iloilo City throughout the festival. He reminded them that January is “Zero Waste Month”, too.
The city government’s General Services Office is mobilizing over 100 street sweepers to the five judging areas.
Personnel carrying black bags are tasked to collect garbage.
Portable toilets (“portalets”) have been positioned along the parade route around downtown.
Meanwhile, the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Taskforce will be strictly enforcing the “no smoking policy” all over the city.
The festival today will also be graced by Ilonggo senator Franklin Drilon, Ilocos Norte governor Imee Marcos, former senators Ramon Revilla Jr. and Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.
Likewise, seven foreign ambassadors are joining the celebration. The confirmed guests are Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Bangladesh Asad Alam Siam, Zhao Jianhua of China, Han Dong-man of Korea, Adekunbi Abibat Sonaike-Ayodeji of Nigeria, Aman Rashid of Pakistan, Igor Anatolyevich Khovaev of Russia, and Sung Yong Kim of the United States.
Espinosa said it will be the first time for the ambassadors of the US and the Russian Federation to witness the festival together.
Also joining the envoys is Malaysia’s Tourism Attache Zaidi Kassim.
Also expected to enjoy Dingayang are the more than 400 Japanese tourists on board the visiting cruise ship M/V Pacific Venus of Japan./PN
