ABS-CBN ‘presentation' did not intend to disrupt Dinagyang

By Erly C. Garcia

Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc (IDFI) executive director Ben Jimena admitted that there was misinterpretation on the part of television network ABS-CBN and the IDFI as regards the latter's production number during the “ati-ati” tribes contest but he clarified that “the foundation has no intention to make something that is not along the concept of the Dinagyang.”

Jimena gave the statement in response to reports that some sectors and the public have complained against the ABS-CBN presentation for being not relevant to the festival.

Jimena clarified that the production number was really intended to start off the feed for the international coverage of ABS-CBN's The Filipino Channel.

Mr. Jerry Bennett, ABS-CBN Visayas Cluster Head, said the delay was necessary since the coverage was not just for the local audience.

ABS-CBN had a production number following the performances of Tribu Silak and Tribu Rizalianon. Comedian Bayani Agbayani performed a song and dance number together with other Manila-based talents. The presentation lasted for about twenty minutes.

ABS-CBN was the media partner of the IDFI for the Dinagyang Festival 2005. Being the festival's media partner, ABS-CBN was tasked to highlight Iloilo as a tourist and investment destination worldwide.

Ms. Desiree Bretaña, ABS-CBN marketing manager for Western Visayas said there was no intention to disrupt the “ati-ati” tribes contest. She said there may be production lapses (referring to the dance and song numbers) but ABS-CBN did not do anything to compromise the spirit of the festivities.

She said the network invested millions of pesos just to help promote Dinagyang to other parts of the globe by having it broadcast live at The Filipino Channel.

Bretaña said it is part of the thrust of ABS-CBN management to bring to Filipinos all over the world the festivals of the country.

She said the international exposure of Dinagyang would help boost local business and tourism.

“ Iloilo is one of the only five areas given the benefit of TFC airing, an opportunity not open to others with older festivals. It is a shared vision by the network and the City of Iloilo that the global exposure will translate to investments and tourism,” Bretaña explained.

Bennett said by investing on the multi-million coverage ABS-CBN which is owned by the Lopezes of Iloilo wanted to help make Dinagyang become a big event in the country.