Dinagyang 2017 eyes P22-M budget
The Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) is eyeing P22-million budget for the successful hosting of 49th edition of Dinagyang Festival which highlights January 20-22, 2017.
Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog, IDFI President Ramon Cua Locsin, and San Jose Parish priest Rev. Fr. Raymundo Edsel T. Alcayaga signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Nov. 15 for the smooth preparations of the city's premier celebration.
"Let us support to make Dinagyang truly live up to its expectations as a leading tourism, cultural, religious and socio-economic promotional vehicle and symbol of Iloilo City's continuing progress and sustainable development," stressed Mabilog.
The mayor assured crime-free, smoke-free and drug-free festivities of the Hall of Famer best tourism event in the country and Department of Tourism's flagship feature in its campaign globally.
Bannering the tagline "See, Feel, Love" and theme "Communion of Communities with Santo Niño," Dinagyang is expected to showcase some 10 competing tribes while Kasadyahan Regional Cultural Competition has attracted top festivals from all over Western Visayas and Negros Occidental.
Locsin said if available funds permit, they are planning to add financial subsidies to half a million each for Dinagyang tribes.
Tickets will be available starting next month while Pamukaw or awakening with first public appearance of participating tribes is set Dec. 9.
Dinagyang promises more impressive choreography and more striking costumes worn by participants which display the ingenuity, craftsmanship and artistry of Ilonggos.
Dinagyang celebrates the arrival since 1968 of replica statue of Santo Niño the child Jesus from Cebu, met with merriment by devotees. The festival will mark its golden year milestone in 2018.
Dinagyang is Hiligaynon term which means revelry or merrymaking as coined in 1977 by Ilonggo journalist Pacifico Sudario. (Iloilo City PIO)