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Iloilo City backtracks on charging Dinagyang photo fees

Philippines | Visayas

Iloilo City backtracks on charging Dinagyang photo fees

By Tara Yap

PEOPLE pose for a photo with a Dinagyang warrior during the 2025 Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City. (Tara Yap)

PEOPLE pose for a photo with a Dinagyang warrior during the 2025 Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City. (Tara Yap)

ILOILO CITY – The Iloilo City government led by neophyte Mayor Raisa Treñas has been criticized for attempting to impose fees for people wearing costumes and mascots and offering souvenir photo services for the upcoming 2026 Dinagyang Festival.

The Special Services Division of the Treñas administration on Friday reportedly required a permit for those offering souvenir photos wearing a costume or mascots from Jan. 24 to 25.

SSD head Hanna Rubio initially told the media that people offering these will be mandated to pay a permit fee at Iloilo City Hall because they “gain profit.”

Rubio said that this policy is stipulated in an executive order by the mayor as these people are not part of the official Dinagyang activities and they are nuances on the streets during the two-day competitions next weekend.

People criticized the Iloilo city government for being greedy and shameless during a festival that is supposed to unite and bring out the best of Iloilo.

Due to the backlash, Trenas issued a statement and retracted the city government’s initial policy.

“Indi na kinahanglan sang permit. Ini bilang paghatag naton sang kahilwayan para sa mga luyag mag-enjoy sa Dinagyang Festival (Permits are no longer required. This is to give freedom to those who want to enjoy the Dinagyang Festival),” said Treñas in a statement.

While people are free to take photos for souvenirs, Trenas urged them not to block and disturb groups who are performing on the streets.

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Iloilo City Dinagyang Festival

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