The vibrant streets of Iligan are set to come alive with a kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, and traditions as the City Government of Iligan unveils an enchanting lineup of 127 activities for the eagerly anticipated Diyandi Festival, a month-long celebration slated for September.
During the Iligan Media Forum, Jules Verne Padilla, the chairperson of the Executive Management Board of Diyandi Festival, announced the grand celebration to honor and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the City.
The city government allocated a budget of P13.5 million to ensure that this year’s festival is even more captivating than last year.
“We are so hopeful that the Diyandi Festival will be a festive and exuberant one, kay ang gusto lang jud nga ipaabot sa atong mayor nga mas mapabibo ang atong festival within the bounds sa atong budget [Because our mayor wants to make the festival more festive within the limits of our budget],” he said.
There will be an Opening Salvo on August 30, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. at the Anahaw Amphitheater that will feature an inter-barangay cheerdance competition and a Disney-themed pyromusical showdown.
Meanwhile, the grand opening of the mugna, or entertainment hub, at KCCC Grounds will take place on September 1, 2023, and will house various stalls and rides. It will also serve as a venue that will host various exciting activities and exhibits, making it a central hub for visitors to immerse themselves in the festivities.
Moreover, the street dancing competition will now feature an open category that extends invitations to participants from regions as distant as Davao, Surigao, and Lanao del Norte. The prizes for this category are as follows: P500,000 for first place, P300,000 for second place, P200,000 for third place, and P100,000 for consolation prizes.
In the inter-school/barangay category, there will be 10 contingents competing for prizes of P300,000 for first place, P200,000 for second place, and P100,000 for third place. Additionally, the city government will provide P300,000 each as seed money for the participants.
This year’s festival will also feature the first-ever cultural night, where the diverse tapestry of the tri-people community will be showcased through captivating performances by cultural groups.
The renowned Komedya de San Miguel will also return, reviving an age-old tradition that holds deep significance in the cultural fabric of the city.
One of the festival’s remarkable features will be the “Balik Iligan, Love Iligan ” program aimed at recognizing Iliganons worldwide returning for the fiesta as part of the Bring Home a Friend program of the Department of Tourism.
It will also feature a luncheon benefit concert by renowned Iliganon singers to support various beneficiaries while also fostering collaboration among civic and cause-oriented groups for ticket sales and project implementation in partnership with the five winners of Miss Iligan 2023.
The City Tourism Office is set to release the complete Calendar of Activities for the festival next week.
TMoreover, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, ligan City Police Office, and the Bureau of Fire Protection are working diligently to ensure a safe and secure environment for all attendees. An Emergency Operations Center will be established near the Post Office to facilitate efficient coordination among various agencies. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte) by Lou Ellen L. Antonio
