P44-M budget set for 2018 Kadayawan Festival
THIS YEAR’S Kadayawan Festival will have a budget of P44 million, P12 million of which will come from the city government and the rest will be raised by the private sector from sponsorships, according to City Tourism Operations Office Chief Regina Rosa D. Tecson. “The city government will shoulder P12 million for the prizes and the food of the security personnel while the private sector will be the one to raise the remaining amount,” she said in a statement. Ms. Tecson also said they are eyeing 200,000 local and foreign visitors during the almost month-long festivity, higher than last year’s 185,000. Festival Director Renato Gatchalian, Jr. said during the Kadayawan launch last Monday that among those expected to come are 35 tourists from Hong Kong, who will join the “experiential rides” during the float parade. Mr. Gatchalian said they aim to make the 33rd Kadayawan “more engaging” for tourists. “Around 35 visitors from Hong Kong have confirmed their booking for the Kadayawan experiential rides,” he said. The main events are scheduled on Aug. 10-19. The new events that will be introduced this year are the Kadayawan Ball, a fashion competition featuring the culture of the city’s 11 indigenous peoples, and Kosplay Kadayawan, inspired by the popular costume play but focusing on outfits highlighting the Philippine Eagle. —