Iloilo to improve Kasadyahan stage safety

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo provincial government will implement adjustments to the performance area of Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan 2026 following safety concerns observed during the grand opening salvo at the Iloilo Sports Complex in La Paz district on Saturday, Jan. 10.

Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said the opening salvo served as both a launch and an assessment of areas that need improvement ahead of the main festival events.

“Our opening salvo was very successful; it served its purpose because it was not just an opening but also a way for us to assess what we can still improve,” Defensor said in an interview Monday, Jan. 12.

He said several options are being considered following a meeting with Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. after some performers reportedly slipped when rain poured during the presentations, prompting organizers to cut the program short.

Defensor said he personally inspected the phenolic boards installed at the performance area with members of the organizing team.

In a separate interview with a local radio station, Kasadyahan Festival production and program director Alfonso Baldonado III said the team is considering applying cementitious paint over the phenolic boards to improve traction and reduce the risk of slipping.

Baldonado said cementitious paint provides better friction than the current painted phenolic surface, particularly under wet conditions.

Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan is a major provincial cultural competition featuring festival performances from Iloilo’s towns and cities as part of the Dinagyang Festival celebrations.

The Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan Festival Showcase is scheduled for Jan. 24, with the performance area at the Iloilo Sports Complex open to the public free of charge to allow more Ilonggos to watch one of the province’s largest cultural events.

The eight participating festivals are the Jimanban Festival of New Lucena, Kahilwayan Festival of Santa Barbara, Salakayan Festival of Miagao, Pagnahi-an Festival of Bingawan, Tultugan Festival of Maasin, Kasag Festival of Banate, Tawili Festival of San Rafael and Banaag Festival of Anilao.

Final performances will also be staged at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand and at the corner of Luna and Huervana streets in La Paz district.