BACOLOD City – The Kabankalan Sinulog Foundation, Inc., in collaboration with the Liga ng mga Barangay and the city government of Kabankalan, is now gearing up for the 2024 Sinulog sa Kabankalan Festival slated for Jan. 12 to 21, 2024.
Exciting developments were announced during a meeting chaired by BOD Chairman Rey Cordero and attended by representatives from the city’s 32 barangays.
A substantial P2 million worth of projects was earmarked for the champion of the Sinulog sa Kabankalan Tribal Competition. The champion barangay tribe will also receive a cash prize of P120,000 and a trophy.
Prizes for runners-up include:
* P1,500,000 worth of project, P100,000 cash, and a trophy for the 1st runner-up;
* P1,000,000 worth of project, P80,000 cash, and a trophy for the 2nd runner-up; and
* P750,000 worth of project, P50,000 cash, and a trophy for the 3rd runner-up.
Non-winning participants won’t go empty-handed; they will each receive consolation prizes, including P300,000 worth of projects, P30,000 cash, and trophies.
Plans for a Tribal Parade Competition were also revealed in which 10 selected barangays will showcase their vibrant cultural performances.
To determine participation in the Ms. Sinulog and Fluvial Parade, the remaining 22 barangays drew lots.
Mayor Benjie Miranda commended the active involvement of all barangays and encouraged them to elevate their performances, aiming to attract more tourists and enhance the grandeur of the festivity.
With this collective effort, Miranda added, the 48th Sinulog sa Kabankalan Festival promises to be a memorable celebration of the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The Sinulog sa Kabankalan is influenced by the warrior festival of the Dinagyang in Iloilo City and the Ati-Atihan in Aklan.
People flock to the streets to celebrate the festivity while staining each other with ground charcoal softened with water and some with oil.
This tradition has been practiced for years now, and no one on the street, regardless of status or attire, is exempt from being stained. (Watchmen Daily Journal, with details from Inquirer.net)/PN
