Photo: Panay News
Tribu Salognon of Jaro National High School climbed back to the top of the Dinagyang Festival, winning the Grand Championship in a fiercely contested edition that drew massive crowds and raised the bar for performance quality. Their routine, inspired by the elusive maral leopard cat, stood out for its sharp choreography, cohesive storytelling, and strong musical execution. Judges praised the tribe’s precision and overall impact, sealing their return to the top after previous wins in 2016 and 2017. The victory earned Salognon a P1.5 million cash prize, along with an additional P10 million worth of school development projects, bringing their total incentive to P11.5 million. Meanwhile, Tribu Paghidaet finished as first runner-up, followed by Tribu Pan-ay and Tribu Taga-Baryo, with all groups receiving substantial prizes and project support as part of the city’s effort to connect cultural events with education.
Beyond the main competition, the festival showcased a wide range of talent across multiple categories. Tribu Paghidaet dominated several performance awards, while Salognon secured top honors in production design, music, and choreography. In the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, the Tultugan Festival of Maasin achieved a third consecutive championship, sweeping major awards and taking home P1.2 million. Other highlights included strong finishes from the Kahilwayan and Kasag festivals. The ILOmination competition added a modern twist, with the Banaag Festival of Anilao winning for its creative use of lighting and visuals. Closing the celebrations, Tribu Parianon triumphed in the Sadsad sa Calle Real event, further proving the depth of talent across Iloilo. Officials credited the festival’s success to its consistent quality and its growing role in supporting communities through both cultural pride and tangible development.
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