Treñas to meet Jimena, Antiquiera over Dinagyang MOA
Antiquera.
Worried about the possible impact that may be caused by the delay in the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the city government and the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI), City Mayor Jerry Treñas is set to meet with City Councilor Eldrid Antiquera, chair of the committee on tourism and promotions, and IDFI executive director Benito Jimena to finally settle their differences.
Though Treñas considers the impasse as a mere "situation" instead of a conflict between the two parties, he wants it settled immediately so the preparations for next year's Dinagyang festival could already start.
The Sangguniang Panglungsod temporarily deferred granting authority for Mayor Treñas to enter into a MOA with the IDFI pending the latter's submission of an audited financial statement on this year's Dinagyang celebration.
A meeting is set on September 21, 2008 at the Iloilo Grand Hotel among the city officials and all stakeholders to thresh out all the concerns regarding next year's holding of Dinagyang festival.
It was learned that some tribe managers are worried that the delay in the forging of the MOA would also cause delay in the release of the financial assistance to the participating tribes.
Jimena.
On his part, Jimena said they will submit the foundation's financial statement before October 31, 2008. The foundation already provided the committee with a copy of their financial statement, however, Antiquera wants to get an audited version of the foundation's financial statement.
The foundation is tasked by the city mayor to manage the Dinagyang celebrations.
Last year, a conflict ensued between the foundation and the Association of Barangay Captains relative to the rental of kiosks and stages at the performance areas.
The barangay officials complained that they did were not given a share in the rental of kiosks although they maintain cleanliness and provide additional security in the area through their civilian volunteer organizations (CVO).
Meanwhile, City Schools Division Superintendent Erlinda Gencaya confirmed that some schools intended not to join the Dinagyang tribes competition anymore.
She said some school principals lamented the "circuitous procedure" imposed by the IDFI in justifying their subsidy assistance to the Dinagyang and Kasadyahan tribes and their liquidation report.