ILOILO — Even as Dinagyang Festival continues to grow into one of the country’s biggest cultural and tourism events, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. reminded Ilonggos that the festival’s true foundation remains deeply religious, urging the public not to lose sight of its devotion to Señor Santo Niño.
After his recent installation as hermano mayor, Defensor stressed that Dinagyang, like town fiestas honoring patron saints, should never be reduced to spectacle alone, as its very source and meaning come from the celebration of the Santo Niño.
“Let us celebrate ining kapistahan naton with that in mind… una don’t overlook nga this is the celebration of the church,” Defensor said, noting that this was his first time to be installed as hermano mayor (elder church lay leader), alongside his wife, First Lady Michelle Defensor, who was named hermana mayor.
Defensor said Dinagyang’s religious core should always guide how the festivities are observed, even as the event continues to serve as a platform for broader initiatives of the provincial government.
He expressed gratitude that the festival has also allowed the province to roll out key programs, including the launch of a new executive order and the use of Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan as a venue for implementing the province’s tourism development plan.
“Salamat sa simbahan naton, to the parish for the celebration of the Santo Niño, kapistahan ini sia. This is the fiesta celebration…That we have an opportunity to celebrate in this way kay man ang tanan nga ini mahalin gid ina dira,” Defensor said. “When you have something like this, many good things happened… the celebration is already a platform of the implementation of our tourism development plan. So, we are thankful that we have this celebration.”
The governor also shared his personal appreciation for the role, saying he readily accepted the responsibility that comes with being hermano mayor.
“I’m very happy that they choose me and I accept it. I was expose to that kind of responsibility and were very happy to take part, it has become an integral part of the festivity,” Defensor said. “I’m very happy nga ako ginpili nila nga nabal-an ko na kon ano na sia nga responsibilidad.”
The installation rites were held at around 5:30 p.m. on January 16 at San Jose de Placer Parish Church, and were officiated by Fr. Nelson Zerda.
The titles hermano and hermana mayor, rooted in Hispanic tradition and meaning “older brother” and “older sister,” refer to lay leaders entrusted with supporting and overseeing religious activities related to the feast in Filipino Catholic celebrations./PN
