IDFI to decide on fate of Tribu Hamili, Himala today
The Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) will render its decision today on whether to allow the Tribu Hamili and Tribu Himala to perform during the 2009 Dinagyang Festival Ati competition this Sunday as their preparedness and costumes are put on question.
IDFI vice chair Ricardo Andrada said the foundation has to come up with a decision in order not to jeopardize the entire celebration. The celebration is a world-class festival which placed Iloilo City in the international map. People from all over the country also come to witness the event.
City Tourism Officer Ben Jimena recently questioned the capability of Tribu Hamili and Tribu Himala in presenting an excellent performance. He believes the two tribes have violated several rules and guidelines set forth by the foundation on the competing tribes.
The two tribes have no subsidy from the foundation considering their previous performances. Tribes that landed on the 16th to 20th place have no subsidy. The rule was stipulated in the memorandum of agreement signed between the tribe and the foundation.
Andrada said the two tribes have “already shown deficiencies” during the “Pamukaw” and opening salvo. The foundation has already requested Dr. Jaime Manila, chair of the committee on tribes to check their readiness and availability of their costumes in this Sunday’s competition.
At present, there are 17 tribes, including Hamili and Himala, listed by the foundation to compete in the ati competition on Sunday. The other participating tribes are: Tribu Molave, Tribu Aninipay, Tribu Ilonganon, Tribu Silak, Tribu Bantu, Tribu Paghidaet, Tribu Pag-asa, Tribu Panagat, Tribu Panaad, Tribu Himal-us,Tribu Bola-Bola, Tribu Angola, Tribu Milagrosa, Tribu Ang Taga Jaro and Tribu Atub-atub.
Andrada explained joining in the yearly competition which is in honor of Sr. Sto. Niño is coupled with great responsibility. The festival must live by its name as the best tourism event in the country, he said.
Andrada said the foundation will give its final decision after their meeting Tuesday night. The issues on whether they are prepared or worthy to be part of the competition must be resolved by the foundation based on their actual assessment on the tribes’ performance during practice.
The foundation wants the issues to be resolved “amicably” between the two tribes. There are certain things that should be considered.
Meanwhile, Mayor Jerry Treñas said he will not dip his hands on whatever decision the foundation would render regarding the two tribes. The foundation was given the authority in running the festival.
In yesterday’s interview, Treñas did not hide his disappointment over the two tribes. I am still disappointed on what they have shown during the opening salvo. The two tribes did not perform at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.
Treñas added the two tribes went to his office yesterday and even asked for more financial assistance. It is the foundation which has to resolve the issues on financial support for the participating tribes. He did not elaborate on how much the tribes are asking.
People who are privy of the meeting between the chief executive and the tribe leaders said they are asking for another P50,000 financial assistance. Earlier, the foundation extended financial assistance of P25,000 each to the tribe which is not governed by the rules and regulations formulated by the foundation.
The foundation has the final call on what to do with the tribes. The city government has no authority to release funds for the tribes. It is only the foundation that can decide on their pleas, said Treñas.
Tribu Himala was founded in 1979 and was an off-shoot of Tribu Hamili. Its founder is Danilo Drilon together with brothers Edwin and Henry. Danilo act as the tribe manager and Doni Anthony Drilon as tribe choreographer. The tribe got the 3rd place in 1996 and won Best in Costume in 1981 and 1994.
Tribu Hamili, on the other hand, was founded in 1969 by Francis Segovia. The previous name of the tribe was Sacred Heart and was changed to Hamili in 1972 which means the same thing. Segovia is the tribe manager and Don Demetita as choreographer. The tribe got the 3rd place from 1970-1975, they were declared champion in the years 1975, 1976 and 1998, they won 2nd place in 1999 and 4th place in 2002.