Manila: The Iloilo provincial government is planning to use the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan of the Dinagyang Festival as a key platform for tourism activities across the province. Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. emphasized that Executive Order No. 168, signed in 2024, positions the Kasadyahan as the cultural stage of the province, showcasing the cultural heritage of Iloilo and its municipalities.
According to Philippines News Agency, Governor Defensor intends to make minor adjustments to the executive order, which he plans to present during a meeting with department heads. These adjustments aim to integrate Kasadyahan into the Turista sa Barangay for MoRProGRes initiative, designed to develop community-based tourism hubs as part of the 10-year Tourism Development Plan and the Fun, Foodie, Friendly initiatives.
The Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan will feature as one of the main events this month, with activities kicking off with a preview performance on January 10 and the main competition scheduled for January 24. The event will see the participation of eight festivals, including the Jimanban Festival from New Lucena, Tawili Festival of San Rafael, and the Salakayan Festival of Miagao, among others.