ILOILO – Nine tribes from this province will be competing in the “Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan,” one of the major events preceding the Dinagyang Festival 2024.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said the nine tribes that signified their intention have shown to the Iloilo provincial government and Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) their readiness with costumes and props, among others, already in place.
These tribes are the following: Katagman festival of Oton, Pantat festival of Zarraga, Kaing festival of Leon, Saad festival of Leganes, Cry of Jelicuon of New Lucena, Tultugan festival of Maasin, Hinirugyaw-Suguidanonay festival of Calinog, Kasag festival of Banate, and Banaag festival of Anilao.
Although the province wanted to cater more tribes, Defensor explained there is limited competing time. Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan is usually held in the morning, the day before the Dinagyang Tribe competition.
“Ang numero indi puede magdamo kay kulang sa oras; maayo nga damo pero kulang sa oras,” said Defensor.
The governor added that the PTO had designated teams for planning anD organizing the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan set for Jan. 27, 2024, preceding the main “Dagyang sa Barangay” tribes competition on Jan. 28.
The governor also assured the provincial government would extend assistance to the nine tribes.
“We are willing to invest because again this is the display window of the tourism industry of the province. This is fun, foodie, friendly festival and this is the festival of the festivals ang amot naton sa kabilogan sang kasadya sang Dinagyang sang Iloilo City,” added Defensor.
The governor earlier emphasized that hosting the said event aligns with the province’s new tourism slogan, “Fun, Foodie, Friendly Iloilo.”
The provincial government has provisionally earmarked P5.970 million for the hosting of the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan.
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.
To recall, Tribu Jalaud from Calinog, Iloilo clinched the championship title during the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan 2023, outperforming seven other festivals from Iloilo, Antique and Negros Occidental./PN
