ILOILO City – The Iloilo provincial government, in collaboration with the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI), is set to officially introduce the nine contingents that will compete in the “Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan” cultural competition, a highlight of the Dinagyang Festival 2025.
The grand launching is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, December 22, at SM City Iloilo Northpoint in Mandurriao district, according to Gilbert Marin, head of the Provincial Culture, Arts, History, and Tourism Office (PCAHTO).
During the event, audiences will witness preview performances from these nine competing contingents:
* Tangyan Festival of Igbaras
* Cry of Jelicuon Festival of New Lucena
* Kaing Festival of Leon
* Tultugan Festival of Maasin
* Tinuom Festival of Cabatuan
* Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival of Calinog
* Haw-as Festival of Dumangas
* Banaag Festival of Anilao
* Tawili Festival of San Rafael
To ensure outstanding performances, the provincial government led by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has allocated increased subsidies for the competing towns.
First-class municipalities will receive P1.5 million each, while second-class and lower-class municipalities will get P2 million. This marks a significant increase compared to last year’s P1 million subsidy for each participating tribe.
In 2024, nine contingents competed in the Kasadyahan. Tultugan Festival emerged as champion. It received a P500,000 cash prize
The Tultugan Festival eventually represented Iloilo Province in the Aliwan Fiesta held from June 27 to 29, 2024, at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City, Metro Manila, where it was declared second to Iloilo City’s Dinagyang Festival./PN
