Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan 2026 opens with grand salvo

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Around 800 dancers from eight competing festivals set the tone for Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan 2026 during a grand opening salvo on Jan. 10, marking the start of Iloilo Province’s major cultural events under the Dinagyang Festival.

Dubbed the province’s “festival of festivals,” Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan showcases the diverse cultures and traditions of Iloilo’s towns and municipalities.

This year’s edition carries the theme “Fun, Foodie, Friendly Iloilo: A Green, Grateful and Growing Province Tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas.”

The theme underscores environmental renewal, appreciation for nature, and the province’s long-term development direction.

It also aligns with the Tanum Iloilo campaign, which aims to make Iloilo a forest province by 2044.

In his message, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. emphasized the importance of sustained investment in culture and tourism.

He cited the shared tourism identity of Iloilo City and the province, noting that festivals help build local pride while contributing to economic activity.

The opening salvo featured performances by the Jimanban Festival of New Lucena, Tawili Festival of San Rafael, Salakayan Festival of Miagao, Pagnahi-an Festival of Bingawan, Tultugan Festival of Maasin, Kasag Festival of Banate, Kahilwayan Festival of Santa Barbara, and Banaag Festival of Anilao.

Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan is part of the province’s Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally Competitive and Resilient Iloilo, or MoRProGRes Iloilo, development framework.

The festival is also aligned with the national Bagong Pilipinas agenda.

The event is jointly presented by the Iloilo provincial government, the Iloilo City government, and the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc.

To widen public access, the provincial government earlier announced that admission to the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan Festival Showcase on Jan. 24 at the Iloilo Sports Complex will be free.

Defensor said the move is intended to allow more local government units and residents across the province to watch the performances.

This year’s festival also introduces sustainability measures through the integration of circular economy principles.

Festival Director for Program and Production Alfonso Baldonado III said the sustainability concept is being introduced this year.

He said the initiative will be incorporated into the judging criteria in future editions.

The adopted principles include reducing waste generation, repurposing existing festival materials, prioritizing recyclable materials, and ensuring proper post-event material recovery.

Participating festivals are encouraged to ensure that at least 30% of costumes and props are recyclable, reusable, or made from natural materials, while minimizing the use of single-use plastics, Styrofoam, confetti, and tarpaulins.