Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. immediately took action after receiving reports that several tribal performers slipped during the Opening Salvo of the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan (KsK) on January 10, after rain fell in the middle of the presentation.
Concerned over the safety of the dancers, Defensor personally inspected the phenolic boards installed on the performance floor together with members of the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan (KsK) organizing team.
According to KsK Production and Program Director Alfonso Baldonado, the incident prompted the organizers to hold an emergency meeting with the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) to immediately address the issue.
As a result, the organizers decided to apply cementitious paint on the phenolic boards to reduce slipperiness and improve traction, especially during rainy conditions.
Baldonado said the adjustment is intended to minimize the risk of accidents and ensure the safety of performers as festival events continue.
Festival organizers added that further modifications to the performance area are now being prepared to prevent similar incidents in the succeeding activities of the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan.IMT
