Earlier, the mayor witnessed the turnover of a P10-million check support for Dinagyang Festival from the SM Prime Holdings to the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI).
An appreciation for the job well done was also extended by Treñas to the tribes and performers.
Three major events of the festival that include “Kasadyahanan sa Kabanwahanan”, “Dagyang sa Barangay” and the newest addition “ILOmination” tribe competition involved spectacular cultural presentations and vibrant costumes of tribes and performers.
As Treñas described, from a simple and plain religious event, Dinagyang Festival has evolved into a flamboyant, colorful, jovial religious, cultural celebration in honor of Sr. Sto. Niño. It has also been inspired by the Ati, an indigenous people of the Panay Island.
The success of the celebration was also attributed by him to the IFFI, the main organizer of the festival. He lauded them for their selfless service to the city.
This year, the celebration was anchored on the theme “Pasalamat kay Sr. Sto Niño” which according to Treñas “speaks about gratitude, as Ilonggo, that once again, after almost three years we are able to celebrate Dinagyang face-to-face on the streets.”
The pandemic did not deter the holding of the celebration as it was brought into digital platform which later earned an accolade from the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP). The Dinagyang Festival 2020 was hailed as the Best Tourism Event in the country during the ATOP Pearl Awards that showed the virtue of resilience of Ilonggos amidst challenges.
In her Instagram post, broadcast journalist Karen Davila,who considers herself an Ilongga and was in the city for the celebration, noted the city’s amazing development. She said Iloilo is her dad’s hometown.
“Day to night non-stop celebration for the Dinagyang Festival! It’s been years since I’ve visited Iloilo and WOW it has changed. The progress is amazing!” said Davila. (JBG/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)
