Iloilo City halts classes for Dinagyang Festival

ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas has ordered the suspension of classes at all levels in both public and private schools on Jan. 26, 27, and 29. He cited the anticipated lack of vehicles resulting from road closures for the Dinagyang Festival.

The Dinagyang, a cultural and religious event that attracts hundreds of thousands of local and foreign tourists, cause substantial traffic disruptions and road closures.

One of the Philippines’ largest festivals, it celebrates the rich heritage, colorful history, passionate devotion, and the fun-loving spirit of the Ilonggo community, particularly their devotion to Señor Santo Niño.

Student participation in the festivities is encouraged as a means to imbue them with the culture and values of the Ilonggos.

Owing to the extensive crowds, estimated to be over 40,000 in various performance areas and parade routes, major city roads will be closed.

The class suspension applies to both face-to-face and online classes and aims to ensure the safety and security of students.

Mayor Treñas previously ordered a suspension of classes on Jan. 12 due to heavy traffic caused by the construction of stages for the festival at four judging areas: Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, Iloilo Provincial Capitol, Mabini-Delgado, and Quezon-Ledesma.

The Iloilo City Traffic Management Unit, led by Uldarico Garbanzos, has issued a public advisory warning of moderate to heavy traffic in some areas due to the festival preparations./PN

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