Dinagyang banderitas scrapped over safety, garbage concerns

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Colorful banderitas, the festive pennants that usually flutter over Iloilo City streets, won’t make an appearance in this year’s Dinagyang Festival due to safety issues, environmental concerns, and to give a more open look for photos.

Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. executive director Joyce Clavecillas said Wednesday, January 21, that the decision to scrap the installation of the vibrant pennants follows last year’s partial removal of decorations along Calle Real after the clearing of overhead utility wires.

“For photos and documentation, we noticed that our photos and videos look more visible and visually appealing without distractions like the banderitas,” she explained.

Clavecillas also noted that removing the pennants will help reduce the festival’s plastic waste.

“Most banderitas are made of plastic and designed for one-time use, often ending up as trash after the celebrations,” she said.

The Iloilo City General Services Office projects that garbage collection could exceed 300 tons during the weeklong festival.

She added that the stretch from the Iloilo Provincial Capitol to the Iloilo Sports Complex is not suitable for banderita installation due to the presence of overhead “spaghetti” wires and the need for higher elevation.

She recalled past incidents where performance props and sets from competing tribes reached or struck the banderitas during shows.

Strict enforcement of ordinances 

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu reminded the public to strictly observe Iloilo City’s anti-littering and anti-smoking ordinances.

In a statement, Treñas-Chu appealed to festivalgoers to practice proper waste disposal and throw trash only in designated areas, stressing that enforcement of the city’s anti-littering ordinance will be strict throughout the celebration.

She said additional trash bins have been installed in all Dinagyang event areas to make proper disposal easier, while vendors were reminded to provide their own garbage containers to help prevent littering along the streets.

Treñas-Chu likewise warned that the city’s anti-smoking ordinance will be strictly enforced during the festival, with the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force placed on full alert to ensure compliance.

The mayor also called on the public to cooperate with police officers and force multipliers, avoid unruly behavior, and drink responsibly to help maintain a safe and peaceful atmosphere during the celebration.

Treñas-Chu warned that individuals who disrupt peace and order or deliberately cause trouble during Dinagyang will face immediate consequences, as authorities will not hesitate to enforce the law.