Iloilo guv backs Dinagyang organizers’ decisions

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has assured full support from the Iloilo provincial government for any decisions made by the Iloilo City government and the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) concerning the conduct and direction of the Dinagyang Festival.

“It is the city government and the IFFI that decide where the festival activities will be held. If the venue is brought back to the city proper, that would be fine. Whatever decision they make, we will support it,” Defensor said in an interview on Jan. 28.

Earlier, IFFI Chairman Judgee Peña announced that the Dinagyang Festival Tribes Competition in 2027 would return to its old route in the city proper, with plans to install five judging areas under consideration.

The province’s counterpart event, Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, traditionally follows the same route as the Dinagyang tribal competitions.

Defensor also voiced support for the possible inclusion of Maasin’s Tultugan Festival in the next Dinagyang Tribes Competition, which typically features only contingents from Iloilo City.

Maasin Mayor Francis Amboy proposed the idea shortly after the Tultugan Festival earned its third consecutive championship title in this year’s Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, securing a grand slam.

“I will support the tribes wherever they are allowed to participate, but the decision rests with the IFFI. Of course, I am in favor of their participation—they deserve it,” Defensor said.

In a separate interview, IFFI said it is open to the proposal but has yet to hold formal discussions on the matter.

Festival director Eric Divinagracia said the foundation may welcome the Tultugan Festival, subject to a collective decision by the IFFI board.

He noted that similar arrangements had been made in the past, citing the participation of Antique’s Binirayan Festival, while emphasizing that the foundation’s priority remains improving the overall quality of tribal performances.