ILOILO City – Tultugan Festival of Maasin town, the champion in the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan 2024, would be heading to the Aliwan Fiesta 2024.
Provincial Tourism Officer Gilbert “Bombette” Marin confirmed that the Iloilo provincial government received invitation from the Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) for Tultugan Festival to join this year’s edition of Aliwan Fiesta.
“Actually nag-announce na si MBC sang Saturday during sa Kasadyahan nga may invitation na sila for Iloilo province kon sin-o ang madaog,” said Marin.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., Marin said, has even committed provincial government’s full support to the Iloilo’s representative to the Aliwan Fiesta.
“Nagbuya man si gov sang hambal ya last time nga magasuporta sia sa magadaog sa Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan kon sa diin amo na sila ang ipadala sa Aliwan Festival sini nga summer,” the provincial tourism officer added.
Tultugan Festival bested the defending champion Tribu Jalaud – Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay of Calinog town and seven other festivals during January 27’s Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan.
Led by tribe manager, Mayor Francis Amboy, Tultugan Festival received a cash prize of P500,000, a trophy and P15,000 gift certificate from Mang Inasal.
It also received P10 million worth of projects from USWAG Ilonggo party-list’s Rep. James “Jojo” Ang.
Tultugan Festival also got the Best in Discipline, Best in Music, Best in Choreography, and Best in Performance awards.
The other competing tribes were 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, Banaag Festival of Anilao, and Kasag Festival of Banate.
On Monday, Jan. 29, Defensor teased everyone to expect a bigger Kasadyahan in 2025.
Marin also noted that other municipalities have already signified their interest in joining next year.
“With the success sang Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahan this year, siling ko damo-damo na ang ma-join next year,” he added./PN
