ILOILO — With higher stakes and intensified competition, the Iloilo provincial government has confirmed that the champion of the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, one of the highlights of the Dinagyang Festival, will take home a P1.2-million cash prize.
Eight municipalities are gearing up for a high-powered cultural showdown on January 24.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. announced the prize structure during a press conference, reiterating the province’s continued financial commitment to sustaining Kasadyahan as a premier “festival of festivals” that showcases Iloilo’s culture, creativity, and local pride.
Defensor said the prize allocation will mirror last year’s format, with the champion receiving P1.2 million, the second placer P700,000, and the third placer P500,000, while non-winning tribes will each receive P200,000 as a consolation prize.
“I know that (prize) is important, pero kabalo ka dungog ang gina-awayan naton diri,” Defensor said.
Beyond the prize money, the provincial government has also released production subsidies to all participating contingents. Tribes from second-class and lower-class municipalities were given P2 million each, while those from first-class municipalities received P1.5 million, ensuring that financial constraints will not hamper performance quality.
This year’s Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan features Jimanban Festival of New Lucena, Tawili Festival of San Rafael, 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.
Adding further drama to the competition, two-time champion Tultugan Festival of Maasin is returning to defend its title and pursue a coveted Hall of Fame distinction./PN
