ILOILO – The provincial government has provisionally earmarked P5.970 million for its premiere hosting of the “Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan”, a major event of the Dinagyang Festival 2024.
The event is set for Jan. 27, 2024, preceding the main “Dagyang sa Barangay” tribes competition on Jan. 28.
“We are delighted to collaborate with the Iloilo City Government to enhance the Dinagyang Festival,” said Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.
The recent “Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan” was overseen by the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) in partnership with the city government.
However, Defensor said the budget might undergo modifications, as discussions with the IFFI and city officials are still ongoing.
“We have a preparation window of two months. We need to scout for additional funds within our current 2023 allocation, which I believe we possess,” added the governor.
Per the provincial government’s preliminary proposal, every participating group in the Kasadyahan will be granted a P500,000 subsidy. Cash prizes will be distributed as follows: P500,000 for the champion, P300,000 for the first runner-up, and P200,000 for the second runner-up. Special awards, including Best in Choreography, Best in Performance, Best in Music, Best in Costume, Best in Street Dance, Best in Production Design, and Best in Discipline, will come with P10,000 each.
Defensor emphasized that hosting the 2024 “Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan” aligns with the province’s push to publicize its fresh tourism catchphrase.
“It’s a golden opportunity to spotlight ‘Fun, Foodie, Friendly Iloilo,’” he said.
This novel slogan offers versatility, according to Defensor, allowing variations like “Fun, Foodie, Friendly” to be paired with family, friends, or festive events such as the “Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan.”
For the “Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan 2023”, Tribu Jalaud from Calinog, Iloilo clinched the championship title, outperforming seven other festivals from Iloilo, Antique, and Negros Occidental. These included:
* Tribu Miniluan from Talisay City, Negros Occidental
* Tribu Tiringbanay from San Jose de Buenavista, Antique
* Guban Manughaw-as sang Dumangas from Dumangas, Iloilo
* Sipalay Burangoy Kite Festival from Sipalay City, Negros Occidental
* Tribu Saludan from Tigbauan, Iloilo
* Tribu Madia-as from Culasi, Antique, and
* Pasalamat Festival from La Carlota City, Negros Occidental./PN
