THE Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) reported successful staging of the ongoing Dinagyang Festival 2025, featuring a variety of cultural, religious, and entertainment events that attracted large crowds across the city.
The Iloilo Dinagyang Tribes Competition happened on January 26, at 8 a.m., with an estimated crowd of 23,500 across various judging areas by 11 a.m.
The tribes’ competition featured performances across four judging areas in the City Proper District of Iloilo City.
The Iloilo Freedom Grandstand hosted around 8,000 spectators, while 6,000 gathered at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, 5,000 at Mabini-Delgado Street, and 4,500 at Quezon-Ledesma Street. Performances continued throughout the morning.
Tribes competing for Dinagyang included Paghadiet, Samolognon, Molave, Pan-y, Pag-asa, Hangayaw, Pari-anon, and Ilonganon.
Health officials treated 25 patients during the event. Reported cases included dizziness, burns, abrasions, and difficulty breathing.
The youngest patient was a one-year-old male with a first-degree burn, while other cases included a 71-year-old male with dizziness and a 15-year-old male injured by props.
The Iloilo City Police Office (Icpo) reminded attendees to stay hydrated and use protective items like umbrellas or caps to shield themselves from the sun.
On January 25, thousands of spectators gathered across various judging areas in Iloilo City for the "Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan" festival, with an estimated total crowd of more than 25,000 throughout the day.
At 3 p.m., the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand recorded a crowd of 5,000, while 4,000 gathered at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, 3,000 at Quezon-Ledesma Street, and 2,000 at Mabini-Delgado Street.
By 4 p.m., the crowd grew to 5,000 at the Grandstand, 6,000 at the Capitol, 3,000 at Quezon-Ledesma, and 3,000 at Mabini-Delgado.
The Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan 2025 Festival Tribe Competitions took place at 1 p.m. of January 25. This event, presented by the Iloilo Provincial Government, in collaboration with the Iloilo City Government and the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI), is a cultural phenomenon that showcases the fun, foodie, and friendly Iloilo through its culture, customs, and traditions.
Other key activities on January 25 also drew significant attendance, including the Dinagyang Food Festival in various locations, which attracted more than 20,000 attendees.
Evening events such as the Coke Studio Concert at Sunburst Park drew a crowd of 10,000, while the AweSM Dinagyang Fireworks Display at SM SouthPoint captivated around 5,000 spectators.
The Grand Religious Sadsad at San Jose Parish Church/Plaza Libertad attracted an estimated 8,000 participants on January 25, according to Icpo.
Food Fest activities in the city proper and Megaworld areas recorded approximately 15,000 and 12,000 attendees, respectively. No major incidents were reported as authorities ensured crowd safety and security.
On January 24, religious and cultural activities commenced with the Santo Niño Fluvial Procession, attended by thousands at various locations including the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, JM Basa Street, and Izanrt Street.
The ILOmnination and Float Parade of Lights attracted 30,000 attendees, while the Illicity “Sa Ngalan ng Pag-ibig” Event drew the largest crowd of approximately 50,000 to 60,000 held at Gaisano ICC Ground.
As part of safety measures, Mayor Jerry Treñas signed Executive Order 011, suspending face-to-face classes in selected schools from January 22 to January 27, 2025, to ensure public safety during festival activities. (Leo Solinap)