ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has thrown full support behind the major shake-up in the Dinagyang Festival 2026 schedule and venues, saying the Iloilo Sports Complex which the provincial government owns and operates is ready to host thousands of spectators without compromising the integrity of its facilities.
The Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) earlier announced that the world-renowned Ati tribes competition — long held in the morning at venues concentrated in the City Proper — will be moved to the afternoon and staged partly at the Iloilo Sports Complex in La Paz district.
Defensor said the plan had been discussed months ago, and he agreed the shift offers clear advantages.
“May advantage as explained to me by the IFFI kay mas madamo makatan-aw kay ang aton bleachers (have a capacity of) 11,000. Puwede mo pa na madugangan,” the governor said, noting that the bigger venue allows wider public access.
He acknowledged that the new setup departs from long-held traditions but said the changes are manageable and well thought out.
Concerns were raised about possible damage to the track oval and other structures once the crowd surges into the sports complex. Defensor assured that these were anticipated.
He said they have already planned with IFFI “kon paano i-handle and manage ang activity para indi man mabutang sa risgu ang facility.”
During a press conference, festival director Prof. Eric Divinagracia said the redesigned schedule aims to balance heritage and accessibility.
He confirmed that Sadsad sa Calle Real will return to its original morning slot, while the Tribes Competition will be held in the afternoon at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand and the sports complex.
“Shifting the Tribes Competition to a later time allows more spectators to enjoy the performances in a larger venue,” Divinagracia said. “Our goal is to provide the best possible experience for both the participants and the audience, while showcasing the vibrant choreography and creativity of the competing tribes.”
Kasadyahan Entries Growing
Defensor also revealed that eight tribes have already confirmed participation in the 2026 Kasadyahan Festival, with more possibly joining.
“So far we have already eight tribes. It’s already a good number but I think basi puede pa sia dugangan,” he said.
Nine tribes competed in the 2025 edition, where the Tultugan Festival of Maasin emerged as champion.
The participating tribes last year were Tangyan Festival (Igbaras), Cry of Jelicuon (New Lucena), Kaing Festival (Leon), Tultugan Festival (Maasin), Tinuom Festival (Cabatuan), Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival (Calinog), Haw-as Festival (Dumangas), Banaag Festival (Anilao), and Tawili Festival (San Rafael)./PN
