BY GLENDA TAYONA and IME SORNITO
ILOILO City – The Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas and the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) advised the public to celebrate Dinagyang Festival 2023 safely.
“If we cannot maintain the one-meter physical distancing, just have your mask on at all times kag magdala sang alcohol para malikawan ang paglapta sang ano man nga virus,” said Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, IPHO head.
The festival has lined up various face-to-face activities. Thousands of spectators are expected at the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan contest on Saturday, Jan. 21, and the Dagyang sa Barangay tribes competition on Sunday, Jan. 22.
“A facemask can help prevent the spread of influenza and other viruses or bacteria,” Colmenares-Quiñon told Panay News.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still around, she stressed, and new virus strains and variants are evolving.
“Para mas masadya ang aton pag-celebrate sang Dinagyang Festival, mag-usar gihapon sang mask,” said Colmenares-Quiñon.
For his part, Dr. Adriano Suba-an, DOH-6 regional director, laid down some health reminders for revelers.
First, he encouraged members of vulnerable groups such as the elderly, immuno-compromised and pregnant women to just stay home.
He also said it is best to stay at home and self-quarantine if one is experiencing flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, colds, and cough.
Here, Colmenares-Quiñon added, “First and foremost, lawas mo na ‘ya, health is wealth. As much as possible kon malain ang matyag indi na lang (mag-dagyang). May ara pa man next year.”
For those who are well and able, bring water and umbrella to combat the heat, said Suba-an.
It is best to also bring an extra shirt, towel and facemask to address sweating, he added.
Suba-an said it is equally important to bring an emergency kit that can hold alcohol/sanitizer, maintenance medicines, and medical strips.
Meanwhile, during the festivities, he advised revelers to be attentive of their belongings and surroundings to help prevent the transmission of diseases.
Revelers should also continue to layer up on protection by wearing a facemask and sanitizing hands to prevent transmissible diseases, he added.
After joining the Dinagyang celebration, the DOH-6 chief said, it is important to immediately take a bath and change to a new set of clothes.
“If you suddenly experienced symptoms, immediately isolate and contact your attending physician for proper diagnosis and treatment,” he added.
On the other hand, the IPHO head disclosed to Panay News that their office, together with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), will deploy responders around the provincial capitol, particularly at the judging area No. 2, to assist spectators with medical needs and emergencies.
Eight tribes will compete for the Dagyang sa Barangay tribes competition starting 8 a.m. on Sunday. These are Sagasa, Ilonggohanon, Sagrada Familia, Molave kang Salog, Kanyaw sang Baybayanon, Parianon, Halimaw, and Pana-ad.
For the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan on Saturday, eight tribes will also compete: Tribu Jalaud from the Municipality of Calinog; Tribu Miniluan from Talisay City, Negros Occidental; Tribu Tiringbanay from San Jose de Buenavista, Antique; Guban Manughaw-as sang Dumangas from Dumangas, Iloilo; Sipalay Burangoy Kite Festival from Sipalay City, Negros Occidental; Tribu Saludan from Tigbauan, Iloilo; Tribu Madia-as from Culasi, Antique; and Pasalamat Festival from La Carlota City, Negros Occidental.
Moreover, seven contesting tribes representing the seven city districts will join the Dinagyang Ilomination also on Saturday. These are Arevalo, City Proper, Jaro, La Paz, Lapuz, Mandurriao, and Molo./PN
