Forge strong partnership with LGUs and private sector, DoT told Kasafi
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The strong collaborative efforts of Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc. (IDFI) and the city government is the turning point of the success of the Iloilo Dinagyang festival, said tourism regional director Edwin Trompeta. Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi) officials recently met the IDFI for the discussion of "best practices" of their festivals / PHOTO BY RAMEL BUNCALAN/ Aklan Photographic Society

KALIBO, Aklan – Tourism regional director Edwin Trompeta has urged the Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi) to build closer working relationships with the local government units and the private sector.

Trompeta said it is critical that the festival organizer and the municipality of Kalibo work together in effectively managing the forthcoming festival in January.
“The public-private partnership is crucial to the festival’s success. It is the cornerstone as we thrive every year on united collaboration with the local communities, sponsors and the church,” he stressed.

Trompeta cited the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which authorizes the private-backed Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc. (IDFI) to organize and manage the festival as one of the turning points that has led to the success of Dinagyang for the past ten years.
“We (IDF) share a common commitment with the city government in promoting the Dinagyang festival, involving not only the private sector, but also the parish churches in Iloilo,” he added.

Trompeta said the relationship has evolved over the years and stakeholders will continue to work together to sustain the world renowned Dinagyang festival held every fourth weekend of January in honor of Holy Child Jesus.

Last Thursday in Iloilo City, Kasafi officials held a meeting with IDFI headed by president Ramon Cua Locsin in the discussion of “best practices” of their festivals.

Kasafi chairman Albert Menez said innovative new strategies and concepts will be adopted in response to identified needs of the festival next year. As this developed, the Sangguniang Bayan of Kalibo last week has authorized Kalibo mayor William Lachica in behalf of the municipal government to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with festival organizer Kasafi.

Kasafi, tasked to conceptualize and manage the activities of the Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival for the next two years, has been recognized for its transparency and efficient management of the Ati-Atihan festivities.