Iloilo: The provincial government here will be integrating the principles of the circular economy in the 'Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan,' one of the highlights of the 2026 Dinagyang Festival. Alfonso Baldonado III, Festival Director for Program and Production of Kasadyahan, said the concept will be initially introduced this year and will form part of their criteria for judging next year.
According to Philippines News Agency, Baldonado explained that the circular economy principles being adopted for the festival include reducing waste generation, repurposing existing festival materials, prioritizing recyclable materials, ensuring proper post-event material recovery, and rethinking designs and performances to enhance sustainability. The festival theme is 'Fun, Foodie, Friendly Iloilo: A Green, Grateful and Growing Province Tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas,' emphasizing environmental renewal, gratitude to nature, and the 'Tanum Iloilo' campaign for a forested province by 2044.
Participating festivals are encouraged to ensure that at least 30 percent of their costumes and props are recyclable, reusable, and natural while minimizing the use of single-use plastic, styrofoam, confetti, and tarpaulins for zero-waste disposal. Metro Pacific Iloilo Water will provide free water during performances, but participants must bring their own containers. Waste will be segregated, and the locations of materials recovery facilities will be announced to guide proper disposal. The Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office will monitor compliance.
To further promote the circular economy, a creativity award will be introduced to raise awareness. Next year, compliance with circular economy principles will become part of the judging criteria, with non-compliance resulting in score deductions. Baldonado expressed hope that local government units would adopt these practices as a lifestyle.
In addition to promoting circular economy principles, the Kasadyahan will serve as a platform to increase public awareness of disaster risk reduction and management, as well as the anti-smoking/vaping campaign of the Iloilo City government.
