ILOILO CITY – The economic crunch failed to dampen the festive mood in yesterday’s highlight of the Dinagyang Festival in honor of the Sto. Niño here.
An estimated 1.5 million people took part in the Dinagyang merrymaking, Mayor Jerry Treñas said.
Senators Mar Roxas, Francis Escudero, Manny Villar, Jamby Madrigal, Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Ramon Revilla Jr. were among the revelers.
Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando also came with his wife, Marikina City Mayor Marides Fernando.
There were also several foreign VIPs such as Alistair MacDonald, head of the European Commission delegation in the Philippines; Chinese Consul General He Shijing, and several World Bank executives.
Big media networks also brought in some of their major stars to put up shows in the days leading to yesterday’s highlight.
In his message during the Kasadyahan contest on Saturday and the competition of Ati tribes yesterday, Treñas said the Dinagyang was a “clear manifestation” that Iloilo has recovered from the devastation of typhoon Frank.
Although the event organizer, the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI), fell short of its P10-million budget, it managed to put up this year’s festival.
“Praise the Lord! All things work out for good for those who love him,” IDFI executive committee chairman Ricardo Andrada told The STAR.
“Budgetary problems are not a big factor,” city tourism director Ben Jimena said. “What is important is the cooperation of everybody.”
The number of competing Ati tribes this year was down to 17 from 20 last year. Jimena said each contingent must have at least P500,000 to be able to mount a good performance.