Budget estimate increased by P5M since September

By Paulo Loreto Lim

The Iloilo City government and the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc. (IDFI) recently revealed a P35 million budget will be needed for next year’s festival, set to take place from January 26 to 28, 2018 and commemorating the event’s 50th anniversary.

Back in September of this year, the city government announced they would be providing P18 million towards the event, which, at the time, the IDFI estimated a total budget of P30 million. According to Iloilo City Councilor Eduardo Peñaredondo, P15 million of the city’s share would be allocated for subsidies.

For the remaining amount, the IDFI will be looking to raise revenue through sponsorships, donations, ticket sales, advertising, among other ventures.

Meanwhile, a memorandum of agreement was signed between the city government, IDFI, and the Parish of San José de Placer mandating the city government create the Iloilo Dinagyang Executive Board, which will serve as a decision-making body for the festival.

The church will be responsible for religious activities to honor the Santo Niño./PLL, WDJ