The Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) vowed to return the annual Dinagyang Festival to its “original form,” with IDFI president Ramon Cua Locsin saying, “We are all challenged to make sure [the] Iloilo Dinagyang Festival remains true to its core as the Ilonggos’ way of thanksgiving thru merry-making.”

“We should know our identity and that should be expressed,” stated Alliance of Dinagyang Tribes in Iloilo advisory council member Eric Divinagracia.

He believes the festival has lost its “identity.”

Locsin noted, pertinent entities are all in support of upholding the festival’s legacy, adding, discussions have been held on ways to bring back “Ilonggo identity” to the festival.

This year’s festival celebrated its 50th anniversary, which featured appearances by Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque, Senator Cynthia Villar, Davao City first district Rep. Karlo Nograles, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, former Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, among others./WDJ