Iloilo prov’l gov’t to elevate Kasadyahan standards with rigorous selection process
ILOILO – To enhance the performances of competing tribes in the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan 2025, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. announced that a panel will be formed to evaluate the festivals of 42 towns and Passi City.
The initiative aims to select the top 10 festivals by the end of 2024 for participation in the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan competition of the 2025 Dinagyang Festival.
Defensor highlighted the importance of this assessment in managing time constraints and ensuring that only the best and most interested festivals are chosen to compete.
“We want to accommodate everyone kon puede lang but angoras sang par ada in di kita makapagusto. So we will have a qualifying,” explained Defensor.
This move is seen as a strategy to level up the quality of the festival and, by extension, promote local tourism.
The governor also expressed a desire to maintain the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan’s identity as a fun, foodie, and friendly festival.
Adjustments for next year’s event are being considered, including the possibility of scheduling the festival on a Thursday or Friday to avoid conflict with the Dinagyang Festival tribes competition held on Sundays.
Defensor praised t he success of the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan 2024 and acknowledged t he contributions of various stakeholders, including the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc., Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas, participating municipalities, and provincial government departments.
The Tultugan Festival of Maasin was this year’s winner, taking home awards for Best in Discipline, Best in Music, Best in Choreography, and Best in Performance.
This year’s competing tribes for Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan were the following: Katagman Festival of Oton, Saad Festival of Leganes, Pantat Festival of Zarraga, Cry of Jelicuon Festival of New Lucena, Kaing Festival of Leon, Tultugan Festival of Maasin, Jalaud, Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival of Calinog, Banaag Festival of Anilao, and Kasag Festival of Banate./