INVESTING BEYOND DINAGYANG: City Awards PHP 17.5M in Additional School Projects to Dinagyang 2026 Tribes

Going beyond cash incentives, Mayor Raisa S. Treñas announced that the Iloilo City government will give substantial additional school support projects to the winning and participating tribes of the Dinagyang Tribes Competition 2026.

According to her, the Grand Champion will receive PHP 10 million worth of school support projects, while the First Runner-Up will be granted PHP 3 million, the Second Runner-Up PHP 2 million, and the Third Runner-Up PHP 1 million.

In recognition of their dedication and hard work, all participating tribes will also receive a PHP 500,000 consolation prize, on top of their respective cash awards.

“These additional projects are our way of giving back to the schools and communities that keep Dinagyang alive year after year,” Mayor Treñas said. “Our tribes, composed of students, educators, and cultural bearers, deserve sustained support.”

To note, Tribu Salognon of Jaro National High School emerged as Champion of the Dinagyang Tribes Competition, earning PHP 1.5 million in cash prizes alongside the PHP 10 million school support package.
Tribu Paghidaet of La Paz National High School placed First Runner-Up with PHP 1 million in cash prizes.
Tribu Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National High School secured Second Runner-Up, receiving PHP 700,000, while Tribu Taga-Baryo sang Brgy. Bo. Obrero, Lapuz finished as Third Runner-Up with PHP 600,000.

The city mayor emphasized that the additional school support projects are part of a broader strategy to ensure that Dinagyang’s success directly benefits the schools and communities behind the competing tribes.

The announcement came as Dinagyang 2026 concluded, with nearly 73,000 people gathered at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand and nearby areas during the awarding ceremony, based on figures from the Security Task Group (STG) Dinagyang 2026 as of 12:00 a.m. Jan. 26.

Overall, the festival drew an estimated 350,000 attendees, recorded zero major security incidents, and showcased strong coordination between the city and province, which further underscored that cultural excellence and community investment can go hand in hand.

Mayor Treñas also thanked the security forces, emergency responders, volunteers, sponsors, production teams, media partners, and participating tribes for their contributions to another successful celebration.

Meanwhile, former mayor Jerry Treñas praised all those who contributed to the resounding success of this year’s Dinagyang Festival.

“The success of Dinagyang 2026 proves what Iloilo can achieve when unity rises above division, cooperation over criticism, and purpose over noise. This was not the work of one office or sector, but of countless Ilonggos who believed, contributed, and showed up for one another,” Treñas said.

He noted that despite criticism, hateful attacks on social media, and pre-festival noise, the overwhelming public turnout spoke louder than speculation.

“As former mayor of Iloilo City, I am deeply proud of everyone—from our security forces and emergency responders to the organizers, sponsors, media, and volunteers, and most especially our tribes, artists, and cultural workers. Salamat guid for keeping Dinagyang a living expression of Ilonggo faith and identity,” he added.

Treñas emphasized that any minor issues may be studied and addressed internally, stressing that what matters most is that Dinagyang 2026 was a resounding success.

He also commended the leadership of Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas and Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr., as well as the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. and other key stakeholders, for steering the celebration to success.

On his part, Governor Defensor said the success of Dinagyang 2026 affirmed that the One Iloilo concept is no longer just an idea but a necessity.

This year also marked the third consecutive year that the Iloilo provincial government successfully managed Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, further highlighting the province’s growing role in strengthening Iloilo’s cultural celebrations.

Defensor emphasized the inseparable relationship between the city and the province.

“The tourism of Iloilo City is the tourism of Iloilo Province, and the tourism of Iloilo Province is the tourism of Iloilo City—we are one,” Defensor said. “The economy of the city is the economy of the province, and the economy of the province is the economy of the city.” (PR)