ILOILO CITY – The Iloilo provincial government is hosting the Kasadyahan competition of the upcoming Dinagyang, this city’s annual festival in January that honors the Santo Niño (Child Jesus).
ILOILO Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. (center) leads the launching of Kasadyahan, a competition among town festivals in Iloilo province, at SM City Iloilo on Wednesday, December 13. Kasadyahan will be part of the Dinagyang Festival in January. (Tara Yap)
Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) formally launched on Wednesday, December 13, the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahan at SM City Iloilo.
Defensor said participation of festivals from Iloilo towns aims to showcase Iloilo province and the new tourism slogan of “Fun, Foodie, Friendly Iloilo.”
When the Kasadyahan was established as part of the Dinagyang Festival, it was a competition among festivals in Western Visayas region. It is held every fourth Saturday of January or the day before the highlight.
For the first time next year, the Kasadyahan will purely be a competition among festivals of towns in Iloilo.
Iloilo Provincial Culture, Arts, History, and Tourism Office chief Gilbert “Bombette” Marin said nine festivals from nine towns will compete.
These are Katagman Festival of Oton, Saad Festival of Leganes, Pantat Festival of Zarraga, Cry of Jelicuon Festival of New Lucena, Kaing Festival of Leon, Tultugan Festival of Maasin, Banaag Festival of Anilao, Kasag Festival of Banate, and Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival of Calinog.
The Iloilo provincial government has allotted P9 million in financial assistance with each group getting P1-million subsidy.
“The amount will be used for their full festival performance – from the meals, costumes, and props to professional fees, among others,” Marin said.