ILOILO City – With thousands of performers and visitors converging for the Dinagyang Festival, the city government has designated 15 public schools across Iloilo City as temporary lodging sites, a move that helped prompt the suspension of in-person classes on January 23 and January 26.
City officials said school campuses will house contingents competing in the Dinagyang tribes, Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, and ILOmination events from January 21 to 26, as preparations and performances intensify ahead of the weekend highlights.
For the Dinagyang tribes competition, participating groups have been assigned to several high schools and elementary schools in the city, while some contingents are being accommodated in barangay facilities. Separate campuses have likewise been allocated for Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan entries coming from towns across Iloilo province.
Visiting groups joining the ILOmination competition — including delegations from outside Western Visayas — are also being billeted in selected elementary and integrated schools in Mandurriao, Nabitasan, Donato Pison, and nearby districts.
Authorities said the conversion of school facilities into temporary quarters, coupled with major road closures and heavy traffic expected during festival days, led City Hall to order a halt to face-to-face classes at all levels on the two specified dates. Schools have instead been directed to shift to alternative modes of instruction, such as online or modular learning.
The city government said the arrangement is meant to ensure the safety of students and festival participants, ease congestion, and allow schools enough time to prepare for the influx of guests and recover once Dinagyang activities conclude./PN
