NECESSARY EXPENSE: Capitol pitches in 400K for Dinagyang Festival

By: Gail T. Momblan

THE Iloilo provincial government will contribute P400,000 for the hosting of the Dinagyang Festival on Jan 21-27, 2019.

Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. said the non-approval of the 2019 executive budget will not stop the province from extending assistance to the Iloilo City government, which is the main host of the festivity.

“Ang amon interpretasyon, it is part of the necessary expense. Kay ina nga expense has been a continuing feature of the budget of the province of Iloilo,” he said.

Defensor said that Dinagyang Festival “has become a permanent feature of our social and cultural activities of the city and the province of Iloilo.”

Aside from the financial assistance, the Iloilo provincial government will also prepare the Iloilo Capitol stage, which serves as one of the judging areas.

The Capitol will also accommodate visitors that will grace the festival.

The governor said that the expenses for accommodating visitors will be covered by the donations and discretionary fund.

“Gaakomodar ‘ta bisita. Ina para sa probinsya kag syodad sang  Iloilo. Gahatag man ina kalipay sa mga kasimanwa, gahatag kalipay sa turista,” the governor said.

“May pondo sina ‘ya. May ara sa donation, may ara sa discretionary fund ko,” he said.

He added that Dinagyang Festival contributes to the progress of the city and province of Iloilo.

“It has caught the attention not only of our countrymen but it has caught worldwide (attention),” he said.

Unlike last year, the provincial government cannot accommodate food booths and kiosks as the capitol grounds is being converted into a park.

“Wala butangan subong kiosks kay ginakay-o pa,” Defensor said.