loilo City  strikes first notes for Dinagyang 2006

The City of Iloilo is beginning to frame up preparations for the holding of Dinagyang 2006.

Ben Jimena, this year's Festival Executive Director, said that the success attained by the Dinagyang during the Aliwan festival in Manila is setting the new trend for succeeding conduct of the festival.

Jimena also said that the challenge for the Ilonggos now is to elevate Dinagyang to a higher level of public consciousness and sensibilities, “to strengthen its claim as the premier festival of the country.”

The Executive Committee noted that every year Dinagyang lures increasing number of tourists.  In 2005, there was a 34 percent increase in tourist arrivals.  For 2006, a 50 percent target is set.

The committee seeks to reach this through a well-crafted marketing plan and strategies that will draw the involvement and participation of sectors whose resources have not been tapped before.

Jimena said that in addition to the above, they are also working to put in place the policies, rules, procedures and guidelines for various activities or events of the festival.  Moreover, they also intend to provide better incentives to the tribes.

As festival activities are being firmed up, the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation is already accepting applications for entries to the Ati and Kasadyahan Competitions, and those organizations who are interested in handling the franchise for the Miss Dinagyang Pageant.

In this year's Dinagyang, there will only be one category for the Dinagyang Ati competition and a maximum of 17 tribes that are approved by the Executive Committee.

To date, about 12 former barangay Ati tribes have submitted their entries and have been accommodated.  With the approval of their entries was the release of the initial financial assistance, given on September 9, 2005, for them to start with their preparations. 

Dinagyang 2006 carries the theme “Healing through devotion to Sr. Sto. Nino. (PIA 6)