Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. has laid out a bold vision for Iloilo’s future: transform the province’s homegrown festivals into world-class cultural showcases that remain proudly Ilonggo at heart.
Speaking at the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan Festival Research and Production Summit on September 7, Defensor said the province must start building from the ground up.
“We want Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan to be the cultural stage of the province. We will develop our festivals starting from the barangay level. Because every festival is different. Every festival is unique,” he said.
The summit wrapped up with a Dinner Show Repertoire at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Lobby, where towns across Iloilo brought their festivals to life through folk music, ethnic dance, and cultural storytelling. The performances echoed the province’s tourism pitch: “Fun, Foodie, Friendly Iloilo.”
Highlighting the evening was a stirring performance from the Sing Philippines Youth Choir of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, which left Ilonggos with a taste of national-level artistry.
Defensor also challenged municipalities to invest in enhancing their festivals and making them central to the province’s tourism engine.
“This is not just about performance,” he stressed, “it’s about identity, pride, and opportunity for every community.”IMT
