ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has allocated a cash prize of P1.2 million for the champion of the 2025 Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, one of the highlights of the Dinagyang Festival.
According to Gilbert Marin, head of the Provincial Culture, Arts, History, and Tourism Office (PCAHTO), this year’s top prize is P200,000 higher than the P1 million awarded to last year’s champion.
The first runner-up will receive P700,000, while the second runner-up will be awarded P500,000.
Non-winning tribes will each get P200,000 as a consolation prize.
The competition will also feature special awards in the following categories: Best in Performance, Best in Choreography, Best Music, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, Best in Street Dancing, and People’s Choice Award.
This year, nine tribes are set to participate in the Kasadyahan:
* Banaag Festival of Anilao
* Kaing Festival of Leon
* Tawili Festival of San Rafael
* Hirinugyaw Suguidadonay Festival of Calinog
* Tinuom Festival of Cabatuan
* Cry of Jelicuon Festival of New Lucena
* Tangyan Festival of Igbaras
* Haw-as Festival of Dumangas
* Tultugan Festival of Maasin
Governor Defensor described the 2025 Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan as a “cultural stage of municipalities” where towns will showcase their unique traditions, cuisines, and attractions.
“Our municipalities are fun; they are foodie, and they are friendly. It’s really a mix of culture, arts, history, and tradition,” Defensor said.
The event also aims to promote Iloilo City and province as tourism and investment destinations.
To support the Kasadyahan contingents, the provincial government has extended a financial subsidy of up to P2 million to the nine tribes competing in the event.
As for the proposal to separate Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan from the Dinagyang Festival, the provincial government clarified that while the idea is being considered, implementing it will require years of planning and thorough deliberation./PN
