Beyond the colorful costumes and electrifying street dances, the 2026 Dinagyang Festival carried a deeper message: raising public awareness of Western Visayas’ unique flora and fauna.

Festival Director Eric Divinagracia said the Tribes Competition this year successfully blended artistry with advocacy.

Participating tribes creatively showcased endemic species, bringing attention to the region’s biodiversity while staying true to the festival’s cultural roots.

“Dinagyang is a powerful way to highlight our endemic species and promote environmental protection. We may not see immediate impact, but it’s a step forward,” Divinagracia told reporters.

Seven species took center stage this year: the Visayan warty pig, Panay monitor lizard, Gigantes limestone frog, Philippine long-tailed monkey, Visayan hornbill, Maral leopard cat, and Visayan spotted deer.

Divinagracia credited the West Visayas State University Biology Department for providing scientific guidance and the National Museum of the Philippines for helping bring the species’ stories to life for spectators.

He added that next year, even more endemic species are expected to be featured.

While environmental advocacy took a prominent role, Divinagracia emphasized that Dinagyang remains a celebration of Ilonggo culture and heritage.

“It’s really about depicting Ilonggo culture. Dinagyang isn’t just about the Ati. Past narratives centered on the Barter of Panay, which is a myth, but still part of our folklore,” he said.

Staging the festival, he added, is always a complex task, requiring consultations, approvals, and coordination with authorities to ensure both safety and spectacle.

Looking ahead, Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. chairperson Judgee Peña confirmed that the 2027 edition will return to its traditional downtown route, featuring four to five judging stages with carousel-style performances, bringing the festival closer to the streets and the community.

“Bringing Dinagyang back to the city proper ensures that the energy, engagement, and street-level excitement remain central to the festival experience,” he said.

By combining cultural storytelling with environmental advocacy, Dinagyang 2026 demonstrated that heritage festivals can educate, inspire, and entertain all at once.IMT