ILOILO City – All is set for the Dinagyang Festival.
Preparations by the city government and its partners are now at “95 percent”, according to Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.
The opening salvo is on Friday, Jan. 13. The festival highlights are on Jan. 21 to 22.
Treñas said he has a few more directives like for the City Engineer’s Office to install additional street lights.
As to security, a plan is now being finalized by the Public Safety Transportation and Management Office (PSTMO) and Iloilo City Police Office, said the mayor.
First Lady Liza Marcos and famous entrepreneur-vlogger Marissa “Small” Laude have confirmed their attendance.
As of Jan. 5, senators Maria Imelda Josefa Remedios “Imee” R. Marcos, Jose “JV” P. Ejercito and Francis Tolentino have confirmed their attendance, too.
Also, more than 10 diplomats are coming over.
Organizer Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) promises this year’s Dinagyang to be a brighter, bolder and grander spectacle of cultural presentation on the streets after two years of being held virtually due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
The festival centers on thanksgiving and devotion to the Child Jesus for protection during these trying times.
Aside from the opening salvo, other major events are the following:
* 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 Ilomination and Floats Parade of Lights on Jan. 21; and
* Feast Day of Señor Santo Niño De Cebu Concelebrated High Mass, Dinagyang sa Barangay Tribes Competition, and Dinagyang Awarding Ceremony on Jan. 22.
As to the health protocols due to COVID-19, Treñas said everyone is encouraged to follow the minimum health protocols, especially the wearing of facemasks.
However, he noted that cases of COVID-19 in the city are significantly going down.
“Ang aton ginabantayan cases halin sa China pero, ti, waay man kita flights halin sa China,” he said.
For the city mayor, this year’s Dinagyang is a showcase of the Ilonggos’ resilience amid the pandemic.
“Amo ‘ni ‘guro ang Dinagyang nga gusto ta mapakita nga nakatibawas kita sa COVID-19,” he said.
Dinagyang Festival won back-to-back best tourism festival awards for 2020 to 2021 given by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines./PN
