UN fails to meet 'pledge' for Dinagyang 2006
Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) executive director Ben Jimena confirmed that the foundation only received P160,000 out of the P500,000 funding support pledged by the United Nations last Dinagyang 2006.
Jimena said Angie Neo, of the Manila based United Nations office had a hard time in justifying the expenses incurred in Dinagyang 2006 in promoting the UN Millennium Development Goals. The MDG includes poverty reduction, education, maternal health, gender equality, and aim at combating child mortality, AIDS and other diseases.
Jimena said the UN will only pay for the seminars and workshops related to the promotion of MDG. They would not reimburse payment for banners and tarpaulins bearing the UN MDG name. They still have collectibles of P340,000. They are hopeful that the money will be released sooner.
With the developments over the UN MDG's policy, the festival will not anymore include the UN MDG in all their promotional materials, said Jimena. In 2006, promotional materials of Dinagyang carried the UN MDG.
The reports on the UN's failure to release the entire amount as promised came out after the foundation is in dire need of financial support as the celebration comes near. The foundation needs at least P12,750,000 to finance the entire festival
Of the more than P12 million, the foundation only received P3 million from the city government. The foundation prioritized the subsidy of 15 competing tribes.
Meanwhile, Mayor Jerry Treñas is optimistic that the foundation could meet their financial needs even before the week-long celebration starts. Treñas hinted that he is doing everything to help the foundation reach their financial needs.