Dinagyang 2012 Grand Performance at the Iloilo Sports Complex

Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. has approved the proposal of the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) to place the ‘Grand Performance’ of all the competing tribes at the Iloilo Sports Complex in La Paz district here.


On Thursday afternoon, the IDFI, through its president, Ramon Cua Locsin, together with City Tourism Officer Benito Jimena, presented to the governor their plan on how to protect the facility, especially the rubberized track oval as well as the painted volleyball and basketball courts against possible damage.

The governor, together with the IDFI officials, went to the Iloilo Sports Complex for a site visit.


As agreed upon, the competing tribes will perform on the cemented floor reserved for basketball and volleyball courts, which is in front of the stage.
Also, the foundation will be placing plywood and fences on some parts of the rubberized oval which will be included on the 40X70 performance area needed by the performing tribes.


The governor also advised the IDFI to secure the drainage near the basketball and volleyball courts against possible incidents since it is only covered by removable grills.

Defensor also wants to make off-limits viewers on the field and just remain seated on the grandstand.

He said he is open on this idea as long as the IDFI and the city government will take good care of the facility.

Jimena said one of the main reasons why they want to change the venue is to accommodate more spectators.

He also said the Dinagyang Festival, which is one of the best tourism events in the country, has been an attraction to million of viewers around the world.
With the new venue, Jimena said the sports complex can accommodate almost 25,000 people. The Freedom Grandstand could only accommodate around 5,000 persons.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo Sports Complex will serve as Judging Area No. 1, instead of the usual Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.

The Holy Mass that is held before the Ati-Ati competition will also be in the sports complex, instead of the San Jose Parish Church.

Judging Area No. 2 will be in front of the St. Clements Church on Luna Street, La Paz District; Judging Area No. 3 will be near the old Capitol building while Judging Area No. 4 will be at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.

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