Dinagyang 2009 preparations in 'troubled waters'
Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI), organizer of the forthcoming 2009 Dinagyang Festival, admitted that preparations for the grand event is still in "troubled waters" as there are no sponsors yet.
Speaking on radio program "Kape Beynte-Beynte" over Z100-FM (100.7 Mhz) last Saturday, the chairmen of the different committees said there has been delay in preparations considering the late signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between IDFI and the city government.
The MOA was only signed last November 6.
The signing of the MOA was delayed after Councilor Eldrid Antiquiera questioned IDFI's financial statement for the 2008 Dinagyang Festival.
Francis Dela Cruz, chair of the committee on marketing and promotions, said they have already released more than a hundred letters to various firms seeking sponsorship for next year's Dinagyang but not a single responded so far.
He said their goal is to raise P8 million in order to cover all the financial requirements for the different Dinagyang activities.
Dela Cruz admitted that with the current economic condition they would find a hard time looking for sponsors but they are still hoping to meet their target.
Nena Magalona, chair of the publicity committee, said the city government has committed P3 million as subsidy for the event.
Visibly affected by the delayed preparations are the various tribes that will compete in the Dinagyang tribes competition, the festival's highlight.
The News Today learned that most of the tribes have not yet started their practice because of lack of funds.
Dr. Jaime Manila, chair of the tribes committee, said as of Nov. 20, thirteen tribes have registered to join in the Dinagyang competition. These are: Tribu Taga Jaro, Tribu Ilonganon, Tribu Pag-asa, Tribu Aninipay, Tribu Bantu, Tribu Milagrosa (formerly Baryohanon), Tribu Binhi, Tribu Pana-ad, Tribu Himal-us (Guimaras), Tribu Atub-Atub, Tribu Paghidaet, Tribu Panagat (formerly Parianon) and Tribu Molave.
Manila said they are still accepting tribe applicants with the deadline set on Nov. 30. It can be recalled that 20 tribes participated in the tribes competition in Dinagyang 2008.
Manila added they challenged participating tribes in next year's Dinagyang competition to offer innovations in the choreography and theme of their presentation.
Meanwhile, the committee on Miss Dinagyang is also on the thick of preparations for the Miss Dinagyang beauty pageant despite the financial limitations.
Ms. Rowena Diaz, chair of the Miss Dinagyang committee, said 14 Ilongga beauties, so far, have signified their intention to join the beauty pageant. She said, as an innovation in 2009 Miss Dinagyang each of the candidates will be adopted by the different tribes with the contestant carrying the name of the tribe she represents.
Dela Cruz said they are still finalizing the line up of activities for Dinagyang Festival officially scheduled January 16-25, 2009. However, he took special mention of an added attraction to next year's Dinagyang which is the Food Fair featuring the native dishes and delicacies of the towns in the province of Iloilo. He said a strip would be alloted for such food fair.
Dinagyang 2009 will be officially launched on December 1 at SM City Activity Center to be preceded by a motorcade from the Freedom Grandstand.
It will also have its national launching at SM Mall of Asia in Manila this December 12.
Magalona urged the entire Ilonggo community to do their share in making next year's Dinagyang Festival successful and meaningful. She said Dinagyang should keep its title as the Best Tourism Event in the country for three straight years.
Dela Cruz, for his part, is optimistic. "Despite the delay in preparations and the financial difficulties, we promise better performances from the tribes and a very enjoyable Dinagyang 2009," he said.
Also present during the radio interview was Mr. Dominador Rivera Jr. representing the Liturgical Committee of San Jose Parish who spoke on the religious aspect of the Dinagyang Festival.
To note, the IDFI's guesting at Z100 last Saturday was the first media exposure of the group since the signing of the MOA.
IDFI executive director Ricardo Andrada was not present during the interview as he has prior commitment in Roxas City.