By Mae Singuay

Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante, Jr. expects that the 50th Dinagsa Festival this year will generate an income of around P700 million, from the city government’s allocated budget of P25 million.

“We will spend money, but I’m sure people will earn out of it. That’s on the economic side,” Escalante said.

He said that this year’s festival, which kicked off last January 12, was different because it was celebrated for two weeks, unlike the usual nine days in previous years.

“We see to it nga mahatag namon [ang gina]-expect sang amon bisita,” Escalante said.

The mayor said the event, which concluded yesterday, was generally peaceful.

There were no reported crime incidents during the festival, he added.

“Kanami. Everything is falling in place, even the weather. Last time, pwerte ang ulan. Wala gid na maximize,” Escalante said.

Escalante said the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported that heavy traffic was experienced on all major streets in the city during the festival.

Meanwhile, Tribu Bucad Caduha-an was declared as the grand champion in the Dinagsa Festival street dance competition yesterday.

They received a cash prize of P200,000.

Tribu Matinambi Tres, Tribu Sicalbun Quatro and Tribu Maraynon were declared as first, second and third runners-up, respectively.

Tribu Majeca, Tribu Tibanda, Tribu Hitalon, and Tribu Sewanara received a consolation prize of P50,000 each.

Tribu Matinambi Tres also won the Most Disciplined, Best in Costume and Best in Choreography awards.

Meanwhile, Tribu Bucad Caduha-an also took home the Best in Sound/Rhythm and Best in Performance awards./MS, WDJ