Iloilo launches Dinagyang Festival 2012

ILOILO CITY, Philippines  — While Christmas is only 44 days away, it is also 72 days before Dagoy comes as the Dinagyang 2012 was launched last Friday (Nov. 11) at a mall in this city.

Along with the launching was the signing of the memorandum of agreement by City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and City Councilor Lex Tupas, representing the city government, Ramon Cua-Locsin representing the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc., Maria Luisa Segovia representing the Iloilo Business Club, and Father Achilles Secio representing the San Jose Parish Church.

Mabilog then declared open the Dinagyang 2012, which carries the theme "Beyond Awards, a Culture of Excellence."

The mayor said the success of the Dinagyang Festival was a manifestation of strong public-private partnership (PPP) in the community, which the city has been practicing even before President Noynoy Aquino advocated for such.

There would be some changes in the 2012 Dinagyang Festival, said Mabilog, and among these are the new judging areas.

He said the Iloilo Sports complex will be Stage 1 or judging area No. 1 instead of the Freedom Grandstand, the 2nd stage (judging area No. 2) will be at St Clement's church, the 3rd stage (judging area No. 3) in front of the Capitol and the 4th stage (judging area No. 4) at the Freedom Grandstand.

IDFI president Ramon Cua-Locsin, for his part, thanked the people who have continuously supported the festival, keeping the legacy of the Dinagyang.

He said the foundation is very ready for the Dinagyang 2012, the launching of which was attended by various competing tribes and supporters.  (FREEMAN)