ILOILO CITY – The spectacular performances, vibrant parades, and diverse cultural and religious activities at this year’s Dinagyang Festival impressed both locals and tourists.
The city shone in the eyes of thousands through this world-class festival.
“I am extremely proud of the recently concluded Dinagyang Tribe Competition. All the tribes truly leveled up this year! My heartfelt gratitude goes to the choreographers, tribe managers, school principals, tribe members, and everyone who contributed to its success,” Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said. He described the performances as truly world-class.
Eight competing tribes—Tribu Paghidaet of La Paz National High School, Tribu Salognon of Jaro National High School, Tribu Parianon of Iloilo City National High School, Tribu Ilonganon of Jalandoni Memorial National High School, Tribu Pag-asa kang Manduryaw of Mandurriao National High School, Tribu Hangaway of Graciano Lopez Jaena Elementary School, Tribu Molave of Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao, and Tribu Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National High School—delivered dazzling performances with incredible storylines anchored on this year’s theme, “Buhi nga Pagtuo sa Kinabuhi sang mga Ilonggo.”
Mayor Treñas announced that Iloilo City is excited to bring Dinagyang to Auckland, New Zealand, and Osaka, Japan, following invitations from these cities. “With their invitations, we will proudly showcase Iloilo City and the Dinagyang Festival to these international audiences, promoting our rich culture and artistry,” he said. A special performance by Te Āmiorangi Taiohi from Auckland, New Zealand, added color during the ILOmination and Dinagyang Tribes Competition.
Thousands flocked to Diversion Road as SM City Iloilo served as the premier venue and main judging area for the highly anticipated Dinagyang light festival, dubbed the ILOmination Philippine Light Festival. This year was extraordinary, featuring the country’s top light festivals, including Pandang Gitab Festival from Oriental Mindoro, Pavvurulun Afi Festival from Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Tanglawan Festival from San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Hermosa Festival from Zamboanga, and Bailes de Luces Festival from La Castellana, Negros Occidental. Tribu Sidlangan from Iloilo City and the Banaag Festival from Anilao, Iloilo, also performed as guest participants, lighting up the city’s new business district.
Mayor Treñas highlighted that ILOmination enhances the festival, offering a unique experience and showcasing the city’s major growth areas, such as the new business district, where towering buildings, expansive malls, and BPO hubs symbolize Iloilo’s progress.
“Each year, we push our boundaries to introduce even greater brilliance and innovation, ensuring our festivals not only shine but also embrace sustainability. We aspire to make it bigger and more inclusive. Hence, we extended our invitations to light festivals across the Philippines, allowing them to participate and showcase their unique culture here in the City of Love,” said Allan Ryan Tan, president of the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc.
SM City Iloilo prepared a series of exciting events through its AweSM Iloilo campaign. This year’s Grand Iloilo Food Festival, which included the Batchoy Festival held at SM City Southpoint, featured more establishments, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Hundreds of revelers also enjoyed the Dinagyang Music and Arts Festival at SM City Iloilo, featuring performances by various artists. The spectacular SM Fireworks Display at SM City Iloilo mesmerized both Ilonggos and visitors alike.
During the Dinagyang highlight, Mayor Treñas emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving progress for Iloilo City.
“Mga pinalangga ko nga mga Ilonggo, I earnestly appeal to all of you to continue with our steadfast faith and unity because this will be our guiding light toward progress and prosperity. Iloilo City has come a long way, and while we have achieved much, we still have a long way to go. It is this faith and unity that will carry us forward and help us overcome any obstacles we may face,” he said.
He added that the Dinagyang Festival has always been a symbol of resilience and pride for the Ilonggo community. He reminded everyone of the festival’s enduring significance: “Through the years, the Dinagyang Festival has served as a reminder to us Ilonggos that we can stand the test of time, becoming stronger and prouder with each passing year.”
“Let us honor our rich heritage by preserving our traditions and passing them on to future generations. It is through these traditions that we maintain our cultural identity and ensure the spirit of Dinagyang lives on,” he said.
The mayor also expressed his gratitude to the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) chaired by Judgee Peña, San Jose Parish Placer, and all the sponsors for their significant contributions to Dinagyang’s resounding success. (Advertorial)
