ILOILO City – It’s all systems go for this afternoon’s “Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan” opening salvo.
A crowd of over 5,000 spectators, including contingents from nine tribes, are expected at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand and Judging Area No. 2, or Casa Real de Iloilo.
“We are fully prepared,” said retired police colonel Cornelio Salinas, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) and commander of the Site Task Group on Emergency Preparedness and Response.
Since Wednesday, Jan. 3, team leaders of various task groups have been conducting briefings to ensure each member’s readiness, he told Panay News.
Salinas highlighted their focus on emergency response, particularly in monitoring the health of the contingents and spectators during the performances.
“We are responsible for responding to any medical emergencies or situations requiring medical attention,” he said.
Salinas hopes for a mild weather this Friday afternoon and no power outages.
Thursday night last week, the nine tribes finalized their positions at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand and Casa Real de Iloilo.
Salinas expects about 2,500 participants from the nine tribes, excluding their prop handlers and support staff.
The 2024 edition of the Kasadyahan is expected to be even more spectacular. The nine participating festivals (“tribes”) are: Katagman Festival of Oton, Saad Festival of Leganes, Pantat Festival of Zarraga, Cry of Jelicuon Festival of New Lucena, Kaing Festival of Leon, Tultugan Festival of Maasin, Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival of Calinog (2023 champion), Banaag Festival of Anilao, and Kasag Festival of Banate.
Iloilo Provincial Tourism Officer Gilbert Marin said there would be a mass at 1:30 p.m. at the San Jose de Placer Parish Church, followed by a procession of the nine participating tribes to the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand for a short program.
At 3 p.m., each tribe will start their three-minute special performances. After performing at the grandstand, they will parade to Casa Real de Iloilo for another three-minute performance.
“The opening salvo is important for promoting Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, which will feature these tribes on Jan. 27, and also for allowing the tribes to practice their routes,” Marin told Panay News.
During the opening salvo, the participating tribes will visit two judging areas, but for the actual competition on Jan. 27, they will perform in all four judging areas./PN
