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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Backlash forces Iloilo City gov't to allow Dinagyang 'banderitas'

Backlash forces Iloilo City gov't to allow Dinagyang 'banderitas'

Published Jan 22, 2026 06:33 pm
BANDERITAS adorn Iznart St. in Iloilo City during the culmination night of the Dinagyang Festival in 2019. (Tara Yap)
BANDERITAS adorn Iznart St. in Iloilo City during the culmination night of the Dinagyang Festival in 2019. (Tara Yap)
ILOILO CITY – Following a public outcry, the Iloilo City government has allowed “banderitas” (flaglets) to be hung in selected areas for the weekend highlight of the 2026 Dinagyang Festival.
“Ang main streets man lang nga agyan sang mga tribes ang indi pagbutangan sang banderitas (Only the main streets where the tribes will perform will not have banderitas),” said Joy Fantilaga-Gorzal, spokesperson of Mayor Raisa Treñas, on Thursday, Jan. 22.
The day before, the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) created by the incumbent mayor’s father, former Mayor Jerry Treñas, and led by IFFI Executive Director Joyce Clavecillas, barred banderitas to make the Dinagyang environmentally-friendly as these are made from single-use plastics and will only contribute to garbage.
The IFFI considered banderitas as a hazard for competing groups of the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan on Jan. 24 and Dinagyang competition on Jan. 25 as props no longer have a size limit.
Clavecillas said that banderitas are visual distractions for photos and videos.
Ilonggos slammed the decision and noted that Christmas lanterns and tarpaulins of politicians are still visible on city streets.
This issue is the latest in a series of controversy as the city gears for the highlight of the festival that honors the Santo Niño or Child Jesus.
Last week, the city government was under fire for attempting to charge people wearing Dinagyang costumes or mascots as well as vendors. Due to the backlash, the Treñas administration announced it is no longer requiring permits.
The number of venues for the festival’s weekend highlight was reduced from four to two venues – the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand and the Iloilo Sports Complex.
A third venue was added in La Paz District. However, organizers claimed that groups won’t have a full performance as the area is too small and cannot accommodate big props.

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