ILOILO City – Dinagyang Festival brings out the warrior in every Ilonggo, according to Dr. Ronald Sebastian, president of the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI), during Friday’s opening salvo.
Despite the coronavirus disease pandemic, the celebration of Ilonggo culture, faith and devotion to the Santo Niño goes on, he said.
As of Jan. 14, Iloilo City had 918 active coronavirus cases, while its death toll from the disease stood at 627, data from the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 showed.
Yesterday’s opening salvo was a sneak peek of the seven competing tribes whose prerecorded performances would be streamed on Facebook on Jan. 23.
Sebastian said the performances of the tribes would showcase the seven core values of the Ilonggos – Pagsinadya (Celebration), Pag-amliganay (Nurturing), Paghigugma (Love), Pagpahanggud (Growth, Development), Pagtilipon (Gathering), Paghirupay (Closeness), and Pag-intindihanay (Understanding).
“Amo ‘ni ang Ilonggo – naga-strive kita gihapon despite the challenges. Because we are united, because we all love our city,” said Sebastian. “We are all warriors.”
Faith and cooperation are key, according to Cong. Julienne Baronda who also graced the opening salvo.
“Sa aton mabaskog nga pagtuo kag pagbinuligay magapangibabaw kita sa ano man nga pagpanghangkat,” she stressed.
Baronda, on behalf of Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas and Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) Chairman Rito Carlos “Judgee” Peña, officially declared open Dinagyang 2022.
She was joined by Sebastian, IFFI officer Jomarie Layson, and Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon.
“Nalipay gid ako bisan mataas ang mga kaso naton, padayon ang pagsaulog sang DinagyangFestival. Dinagyang is a manifestation of the unity and strength of the Ilonggo people,” said Treñas, who joined the celebration virtually.
For his part, Iloilo governor Arthur Defensor Jr. assured the province’ full support to Dinagyang Festival 2022
“Dinagyang Festival is not just about fun and revelry. It is a testament to our devotion to the Child Jesus. Despite the many challenges, we still have to be thankful that we are given the chance to celebrate our devotion to Señor Sto. Niño. May it continue to give us hope and inspiration amidst the hardships and adversities brought by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Defensor said./PN
