ILOILO – The provincial government is seeking to break away from repetitive, Dinagyang Festival-inspired concepts and reinvent its “festival of festivals” through research-based and uniquely Ilonggo presentations.
This direction was highlighted during the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan Festival Research and Production Summit held on September 6–7 spearheaded by the provincial government in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said the move is a crucial step to elevate local festivals into authentic cultural showcases.
“We aspire to nurture the various tribes participating in the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, starting from the grassroots level in barangays and municipalities,” he stressed. “By capacitating all involved in the festival, we aim to extract the best from the unique culture and heritage of Iloilo.”
The summit, which gathered choreographers, music directors, artists, performers, tourism officers, and festival managers, focused on enhancing competencies in dance, music, costume design, arts, and festival management.
It also tasked participating groups with developing distinct festival concepts reflective of each city and municipality’s history and identity.
Defensor emphasized the need to move beyond the usual Dinagyang-type routines. The provincial government’s objective, he said, is to transform Kasadyahan into a platform that mirrors the diversity and authenticity of Ilonggo culture while boosting the province’s tourism brand, “Fun, Foodie, Friendly Iloilo.”
Sessions included training by the Sing Philippines Youth Choir (SPYC) and workshops on music, dance, costume-making, and cultural performance design.
On the second day, collaborative sessions explored the integration of music and dance, alongside festival management and arts and culture discussions, held at the National Museum of Western Visayas and Iloilo National High School.
A dinner show capped the summit, featuring the SPYC — a choir established in 2014 by the Philippine Madrigal Singers, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the Andrea O. Veneracion Sing Philippines Foundation — underscoring the event’s commitment to world-class artistry.
Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, held every January as part of the Dinagyang Festival, is envisioned as a grand exhibition of Iloilo’s rich heritage.
With the new approach, organizers hope it will evolve into a truly authentic Ilonggo celebration, instilling both pride among locals and awe among visitors./PN
