All systems go for Dinagyang Festival

ILOILO CITY: This city and the province of Iloilo have declared their readiness for the grand celebration this week of the world-renowned Dinagyang Festival which is expected to draw thousands of local and international tourists.

“The city of Iloilo, together with the province, is ready to ‘Hala Bira!’ Ilonggos will give all the honor to Señor Sto. Niño for our Dinagyang Festival 2024,” said Eric Divinagracia, the festival’s artistic director, in a press conference on

Monday, January 22.

Divinagracia stressed that the comeback of schools to the tribes’ competition of the festival is a manifestation that “Dinagyang is back to its form.”

The Iloilo Festivals Foundation

Inc. (IFFI) has confirmed that hotels in Iloilo City are fully booked, and activity tickets have already been sold out.

The IFFI said that it anticipates a crowd of at least 200,000 to join the highlights of the festival on January 27 and 28.

“Last year, it was over 100,000, and this year, we are preparing for double,” the IFFI said in a statement.

“We do not have the data yet for the arrival, but our preparation is there. It is double this year because it’s for free. It’s not a ticketed event. It’s a festival for everyone,” IFFI added.

The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) also said that security measures are already in place to ensure a safe and peaceful Dinagyang Festival.

“As far as security preparedness is concerned, it’s all systems go for us,” said ICPO chief Col. Joeresty Coronica.

ICPO has deployed at least 2,446 police personnel to secure the weeklong celebration.

This will be augmented by an additional 1,514 police personnel from provincial and auxiliary agencies to be deployed formally on January 25.

Coronica reminded the public to comply with Executive Order (EO) 10, which outlines the dos and don’ts during the Dinagyang revelry.

“Obey and follow ordinances and laws to avoid problems that may disrupt your enjoyment of this weeklong event. Your Philippines National Police is here to serve you but will not hesitate to take necessary actions for the safety and security of all,” he said.

The EO prohibits activities such as carrying glass containers, conducting political rallies and carrying firearms, with additional restrictions on items like pointed barbecue sticks and smoking in non-designated areas.

Carrying firearms and other deadly weapons, including pointed barbecue sticks, smoking in non-designated areas, lighting firecrackers and similar pyrotechnics are also strictly prohibited.

Under the same EO, revelers are only allowed to wear clear or seethrough backpacks.

Sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages from January 25 to 28 are only allowed from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.