ILOILO — In a safety-driven move following rain-disrupted performances during the Dinagyang Festival opening salvo over the weekend, the Iloilo provincial government and the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) will apply anti-slip “cementitious paint” at the Iloilo Sports Complex to prevent injuries to festival performers.
Dr. Alfonso “Fonz” Baldonado III, production and program director of Dinagyang’s Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan c ompetition, confirmed on Monday, January 12, that cementitious paint is being considered specifically to improve traction even when the surface gets wet.
He added that two variants of the coating — rough and less rough — will be tested immediately to determine which provides better grip without compromising performance quality.
Baldonado noted that the rain-soaked opening salvo on January 10 served as a crucial stress test for festival preparations, allowing organizers to identify hazards early and adjust accordingly.
The downpour prompted Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. to halt the remaining Kasadyahan performances at the Iloilo Sports Complex to protect dancers and warriors from injury. Only the Tawili Festival of San Rafael and the Jimanban Festival of New Lucena were able to perform before the stoppage was ordered due to safety risks.
The six tribes that were unable to perform were the Salakayan Festival of Miag-ao, Pagnahi-an Festival of Bingawan, Tultugan Festival of Maasin, Kasag Festival of Banate, Kahilwayan Festival of Santa Barbara, and Banaag Festival of Anilao.
Festival organizers said the application and testing of the cementitious paint are being fast-tracked to ensure that upcoming Dinagyang competitions proceed on a safer, more stable performance surface./PN
