ILOILO CITY, Dec. 10 (PNA) -– The Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) is targeting to spend around P20 million for the staging of the 2016 Dinagyang Festival slated third week of January.
Ramon Cua Locsin, president of IDFI, said that they have been in a series of meetings with the prospected sponsors. While some have reduction in their commitments, there were others that will give more.
“We are confident that we can achieve the budget,” Locsin said.
Earlier, the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) approved P11 million as support fund to the festival.
Funds from the local government are utilized for subsidies to participating groups joining the Ati-ati; Kasadyahan regional cultural show and tambor, trumpa, martsa, musika, among other activities.
Prizes for the winners are also charged to the local government subsidy.
Locsin said that they are still determining if they could hike the subsidy given to participating tribes. During the 2015 Dinagyang Festival, participating tribes each received a P400,000 subsidy.
Participants for the Kasadyahan get one half of the amount given to Ati-ati tribes, according to Kasadyahan committee in-charge, Dr. Eden Deriada.
Meanwhile, 10 tribes joining the Ati-ati competition will have their first public performance during the “Pamukaw” on Friday.
Participating tribes include Dagatnon of Ramon Avancena National High School, Panayanon by the Iloilo City National High School, Atub-atub of the Veterans Village and the Mandurriao National High School, Ilonganon of Jalandoni Memorial National High School, Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National High School, Baybayanon from the Melchor L. Nava National High School, Paghidaet from Lapaz National High School, Buntag-Tala of Buntatala National High School and Obreros from Bo. Obrero National High School.
The 2016 festival anchors on the theme “Senor Santo Nino: Hope of the People” with the tagline “Beyond Fun, Beyond Fame, Beyond Borders”. (PNA)