ILOILO CITY — The city government is now ready with its PHP2-million financial assistance to Tribu Panayanon that will represent Dinagyang Festival in the Aliwan Fiesta In Pasay City on April 26-28.
Tribu Panayanon of the Iloilo City National High School won the 2018 Iloilo Dinagyang Festival Ati Tribes competition and earned the privilege of joining the Aliwan Fiesta and compete with best festivals from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Mayor Jose Espinosa III said it is wrong to say that there is no budget for the Aliwan because the city government has allotted funds for the tribe’s participation to the event organized by the Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC).
Benito Jimena, Iloilo City Special Assistant for Special Events, said they will still have a final meeting this week to discuss the preparations as the tribe is still asking for additional PHP1.4 million.
He said the performers are prepared but the tribe is asking for an “enhancement cost” for their props and costumes.
“That’s why I am asking Iloilo City National High School to come up with justification. We have won Aliwan without unnecessary spending a lot in the past,” he added.
Jimena said “we could go to Aliwan but with the budget that is considered and can be afford by the city and the IDFI (Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc).”
Iloilo City Tourism and Development Officer Junel Ann Divinagracia hope that Panayanon will make good of the funds that the city provides. (Perla Lena/PNA)
