By Rjay Zuriaga Castor and Mariela Angella Oladive
The provincial government of Iloilo promises a “fun, foodie, and friendly” Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan in the 2024 Dinagyang Festival as it hosts the cultural contest for the first time.
Nine tribes competing in the cultural show were introduced to the public on Wednesday, December 13. Alongside the launch is the opening of the exhibit on the tribes’ festival costumes.
The nine tribes participating in the competition include 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-Suguidadonay Festival of Calinog, Banaag Festival of Anilao, and Kasag Festival of Banate.
“The Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan will be the display window of the festivals of our municipalities and our tourism industry and our culture,” said Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. during the launch.
Defensor said the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan will align with the province’s new tourism slogan – “Fun, Foodie, Friendly Iloilo.”
“We would like to capture who we are and what we are… We will try our best to showcase a leveled-up version of the festivals of our municipalities in the province,” Defensor added.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said he is looking forward to a “grander” celebration with the provincial government taking the lead.
“For me, it’s indeed the time, now more than ever, to level up our meaningful collaborations as one Iloilo, bound by our people, resources, faith, culture, and tradition; take a collective stride forward; and bring the city and province to greater heights,” he added.
The opening salvo for the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan is scheduled for January 5, 2023, at Iloilo City Calle Real, while the festival tribes’ competition is set for January 27 at the same venue.
Defensor had previously explained that, despite the provincial government’s desire to incorporate additional tribes, the event competition is constrained by time limitations.
The province’s tourism office has already assigned teams for planning and organizing the event.
Defensor earlier assured that the provincial government would provide assistance to the nine tribes.
The provincial government has tentatively allocated P5.970 million for hosting the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan.
According to the preliminary proposal of the provincial government, each participating group in the Kasadyahan will be granted a P500,000 subsidy.
Cash prizes will be allocated as follows: P500,000 for the champion, P300,000 for the first runner-up, and P200,000 for the second runner-up.
Special recognitions, 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 each come with a P10,000 prize.
