Iloilo city: Contenders for this year's Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan of the 2026 Dinagyang Festival will not only bring home cash prizes but also projects for local government units to boost their tourism activities. Winning festivals will take home PHP1.2 million for the champion, PHP700,000 for second place, and PHP500,000 for third place. Meanwhile, non-winning festivals will receive a consolation prize of PHP200,000.

According to Philippines News Agency, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. announced in a press conference that, in addition to the prize, the tourism development plan of participating tribes will be implemented. Governor Defensor is set to sign a new Executive Order to institutionalize the 'Fun, Foodie, Friendly sa Kabanwahanan for MoRPoGRes: A Program for the Development of Local Government' as a community venue for tourism events and activities, and as a point of care for tourists. This initiative will serve as a platform for implementing the tourism development plan, using a barangay tourism development approach.

Before the competition on January 24, Governor Defensor plans to release funds to the municipality of Banate for the establishment of a blue crab (kasag) hatchery, and a check for Bingawan's food hub promoting slow food. The town of Miagao will receive funds for the establishment of the School for Living Traditions. 'As much as possible, these tribes (festivals) have tourism-related programs that will kick off now. It is not just a festival - this is a concrete implementation of our tourism development plan,' Defensor stated.

The Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan will feature presentations from eight festivals on January 24. These include the Jimanban Festival of New Lucena, Tawili Festival of San Rafael, Salakayan Festival of Miagao, Pagnahi-an Festival of Bingawan, Tultugan Festival of Maasin, Kasag Festival of Banate, Kahilwayan Festival of Santa Barbara, and the Banaag Festival of Anilao.