The San Jose de Placer Parish church in the City Proper district of Iloilo City recently unveiled a monument commemorating Fr. Ambrosio Galindez, considered the “Father of Dinagyang.”

“In this year, during the celebration of the 50th year of the Cofradia and Iloilo Dinagyang Festival, we thought of putting up a memorial monument to honor Fr. Galindez,” said parish priest, Rev. Fr. Raymundo Edsel Alcayaga.

The monument is located toward the left side of the church, in front of the adoration chapel.

The original “Ati-Atihan sa Iloilo,” held to honor Sto. Niño, was changed to “Dinagyang” in 1977 as a means to distinguish the event from the festival of the same name celebrated in Kalibo, Aklan.

Also present for the unveiling were Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III, Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) President Ramon Cua Locsin, the IDFI board of trustees, and members of the Cofradia del Sto. Niño de Cebu-Iloilo Chapter.

“The blessing of the monument of Fr. Galindez is a reminder to all of us of the history of Dinagyang and our rich culture here in Iloilo City,” the mayor said./WDJ