ILOILO City — Ten school and cultural dance groups will battle for honors in the third Saot Ilonggo Dance Competition on Aug. 21, placing young performers at the forefront of the city’s campaign to keep traditional Ilonggo dances alive.
The competition, one of the flagship events of Iloilo City’s 89th Charter Day celebration, will be held at the West Visayas State University Auditorium.
The competing groups are Indak Dance Company, Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, West Visayas State University, University of the Philippines Visayas, Iloilo City National High School, St. Therese MTC Colleges, Central Philippine University, Silak Cultural Dance Troupe, Iloilo City Community College, and Fort San Pedro National High School.
The Iloilo City Government, through the City Tourism and Development Office, will officially launch the third edition of Saot Ilonggo at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 31, at SM City Iloilo.
The annual event provides a platform for preserving and promoting the city’s cultural heritage through traditional dances depicting the history, customs and identity of the Ilonggo people.
“Saot Ilonggo is more than a competition. It is our way of preserving our cultural identity and giving our young performers an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the traditions that define Iloilo City,” said an award-winning choreographer and educator Ramil Huyatid whom the city government tapped to lead the “Saot Ilonggo” preparations.
He said the participation of schools and cultural groups demonstrates the city’s commitment to passing its artistic traditions to younger generations while encouraging excellence in cultural performance.
“This initiative ensures that our traditional dances remain alive and relevant. Through the creativity and talent of our participants, we continue to showcase the richness of Ilonggo culture to both residents and visitors,” he said.
The city will also mount the Saot Ilonggo Costume Exhibit from Aug. 14 to 19 at the second-floor Blade Hallway of Festive Walk Iloilo. It will feature costumes inspired by traditional Ilonggo dances.
Now in its third year, Saot Ilonggo highlights the city government’s continuing efforts to preserve local heritage and promote Ilonggo arts and culture./PN
