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[av_heading heading=’‘See, feel, love’ Dinagyang 2017 ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
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ILOILO City – Be ready to see, feel and fall in love with Dinagyang Festival 2017.
“See, Feel, Love” is the festival’s theme. That’s because Dinagyang appeals to all the senses of spectators, explained Ramon Cua Locsin, chairperson of the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc. (IDFI).
Yesterday, IDFI, the city government and the parish of San Jose signed a memorandum of agreement for the staging of Dinagyang on January 2017.
Nine tribes already confirmed their participation in the ati-ati competition, said Locsin.
But IDFI is waiting for the confirmation of another tribe.
The tribes will be named after the complete list of participants has been finalized.
The three-day highlights of the festival are on Jan. 20, 21 and 22. The ati-ati tribes competition is on Jan. 22.
Ten tribes, on the other hand, already confirmed their participation in the Kasadyahan (mardi gras) competition tentatively set on Jan. 21, said Locsin.
Dinagyang is Iloilo City’s version of the Ati-atihan celebrations widely observed not only in Panay Island but also in other parts of the country.
It may not be as ancient as the one in Kalibo, Aklan but it is known more for the participants’ impressive choreography and striking costumes that reflect the ingenuity, craftsmanship and artistry of the Ilonggos.
IDFI may increase its financial subsidy to the tribes.
“Last year we worked on about P21 to P22 million subsidies. Subong daw amo-amo man ina (but) we are looking for additional subsidy,” said Locsin.
January this year, each tribe received a subsidy of P450,000.
If the funds permit, it may be increased to P500,000 for each tribe, said Locsin.
This year’s winner was Tribu Salognon of Jaro National High School. It beat perennial festival champion Tribu Panayanon of Iloilo City National High School.
In the Kasadyahan cultural competition, Tribu Tatusan of Caluya, Antique won the championship for two years in a row.
The MOA signing yesterday was held at the city hall penthouse. Locsin represented the IDFI. Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog signed for the city government while Reverend Father Raymond Alcayaga represented the San Jose parish.
Mabilog promised a grander 2017 festival and urged Ilonggos to support Dinagyang.
“Dinagyang is the leading tourism, cultural, religious and socio-economic promotional vehicle and symbol of Iloilo City. It reflects city’s continuing progress and sustainable development,” said Mabilog.
Ilonggos, however, should not forget the “essence of the festival”, said Mabilog – faith in God and giving honor to the Child Jesus.
“While everyone is excited to celebrate 2017 Iloilo Dinagyang, we should not forget the religious aspect of the festival,” said Mabilog.
Dinagyang is the Hiligaynon word for revelry or merrymaking. The festival started in 1967 when a replica of the image of the Sto. Niño (Child Jesus) was brought from Cebu to the San Jose parish.
The image, accompanied by devotees from Cebu, was enthusiastically received by the Ilonggos who danced on the streets of the city to the tune of rumbling drums./PN
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