Dinagyang '07 soars with higher goals
Dinagyang '07 is setting its arrows to hit higher marks, that is, bring to the local consciousness that Dinagyang has a social conscience.
Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Executive Director Ben Jimena said that for the 2007 showcase of the festival, the global goals of human development will be highlighted in the performances of the tribes, both in the Kasadyahan and the Ati-ati.
"Dinagyang should set a pace and a new dimension, that it is not only a tourism event, or a cultural festival, but it has grown to be a partner in governance and sustainable development," Jimena said.
He added that this goal may not be so convincing as of the moment, but he believes that the performing tribes themselves and the organizers, will gradually understand that Dinagyang is a unifying element of culture, arts, religion and human progress.
This goal is shared primarily by the city of Iloilo under Mayor Jerry P. Trenas, who is a strong advocate of the realization of the United Nations Millennium Development goals (MDG).
To this effect, the foundation has submitted a proposal to the UN Habitat, to advance its aim of getting support so that some of the important projects of the city, can be financed through sponsorship funds that can be generated by the festival.
Jimena said that with this goal goes the social responsibility of the sponsors of Dinagyang, that they are not only contributing to the festival per se, but they are giving in support of more noble aims, that of helping the less fortunate sectors, to have decent shelter, good health, clean and adequate supply of water and better nutrition, among others.
The pursuit of MDG brings two-fold benefits: Dinagyang localizes the goals, while MDG brings Dinagyang to international significance.
(PIA 6/ESS)