ILOILO City – The Iloilo provincial government will distribute free tickets for the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan competition at the Iloilo Sports Complex in La Paz district here on January 24, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. announced, as officials move to ensure wider public access to one of the highlight events of the Dinagyang Festival.
Defensor confirmed the free admission after members of the media asked whether spectators would be charged at the Iloilo Sports Complex during the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan.
However, the governor said ticket distribution will prioritize the eight participating municipalities, their supporters, and local officials.
“Ang aton venue is available sa aton LGUs (local government units) kag sa aton mga supporters kag nagahatag man kita sa mga kasimanwa nga gusto magtan-aw pero again may seating arrangement and we will finalize with the Committee,” Defensor said.
The Iloilo Sports Complex bleachers can accommodate an estimated 5,000 to 8,000 spectators, according to provincial officials.
Defensor added that decisions on admission and venue management for other Kasadyahan performance areas — such as the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand and La Paz streets — have been turned over to the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) and the Iloilo City government.
He clarified that free tickets apply only to the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan at the Iloilo Sports Complex. Management of the venue and ticketing for the Dinagyang Ati Tribes Competition on January 25 will be handled separately by IFFI and the city government.
Eight festivals are competing for this year’s Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan crown:
* Jimanban Festival of New Lucena
* Tawili Festival of San Rafael
* Salakayan Festival of Miag-ao
* Pagnahi-an Festival of Bingawan
* Tultugan Festival of Maasin
* Kasag Festival of Banate
* Kahilwayan Festival of Santa Barbara
* Banaag Festival of Anilao
Two-time champion Tultugan Festival of Maasin is seeking a third title that would earn it Hall of Fame recognition.
Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan is regarded as the “festival of festivals” of Iloilo, showcasing the province’s culture, customs, and traditions while promoting a “Fun, Foodie, Friendly” Iloilo image./PN
