PHOTOS BY MA. THERESA LADIAO/PN
THE Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan opening salvo on January 10, 2026 unfolded as a vibrant celebration of Iloilo Province’s rural heritage, as eight municipalities brought their distinct stories and traditions to life on the Dinagyang stage.
The opening performances kicked off at 1 p.m. at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, followed by a second round at the Iloilo Sports Complex at 3 p.m.
New Lucena set the tone with the Jimanban Festival, a disciplined, harvest-themed performance that honored farming, abundance, and thanksgiving. San Rafael followed with the Tawili Festival, evoking river life and fishing traditions through fluid choreography and blue-hued visuals that mirrored the movement of water.
Miagao’s Salakayan Festival delivered a stirring narrative of unity and defense rooted in the town’s storied past, while Bingawan’s Pagnahi-an Festival highlighted cooperation and shared identity through a visually cohesive and symbolic presentation.
Energy surged as Maasin took the stage with the percussive rhythms of the Tultugan Festival. Banate then showcased coastal livelihood in the Kasag Festival, drawing from the town’s deep connection to the sea. Santa Barbara emphasized pride and resilience in the Kahilwayan Festival, before Anilao closed the opening salvo with the Banaag Festival, offering a hopeful message of guidance and progress.
Beyond the spectacle, the performances underscored the heightened stakes of this year’s Kasadyahan competition. The Iloilo provincial government confirmed that the champion will receive a P1.2-million cash prize, reaffirming its support for Kasadyahan as a “festival of festivals” that celebrates local culture and creativity.
The prize structure mirrors previous years, with P700,000 for second place, P500,000 for third place, and P200,000 consolation prizes for non-winning tribes. With the eight municipalities set to compete again on January 24, the opening salvo served not only as a celebration of identity, but also as a compelling preview of an intense cultural showdown rooted in Ilonggo pride./PN
