Ati-Atihan tribes, groups to get higher subsidies

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

All registered tribes and groups competing in 2019 Sadsad Ati-Atihan street dancing contest will avail the subsidy increase from Ati-Atihan festival organizer.

PHOTO BOY RYAN ZABAL

A total of P1.303-million will be released by Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi), up by 33 percent when compared to P980,500 in 2018 street dancing contest. 

Sadsad Ati-Atihan contest scheduled on January 19, 2019 is one of the highlights of the yearly Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan celebration in Kalibo. Tribe dancers and drummers are expected to showcase their vibrant costumes, unique street dancing to the beat of rhythmic drums in the weeklong festivities. 

Big tribes will receive P60,000 from the previous P51,000 subsidy and tribal small will get P45,000 from P33,000. Balik Ati tribes will also take home P37,000 from P26,500 and modern groups will receive P36,000 from the previous subsidy of P21,000. 

Kasafi started releasing subsidies to registered participants of the contest since the 2011 edition of Ati-Atihan contest. Tribal big groups received P27,500 subsidy; tribal small, P16,500; modern groups, P6,000 and Balik Ati tribes got P11,000 when Kasafi first managed the festivities.  

Interested Ati-Atihan tribes and groups are eligible for subsidies upon full submission of requirements for the 2019 street dancing contest, according to Kasafi chairman Albert Menez.

Menez said the Sadsad Ati-Atihan subsidies will augment the expenses of tribes and groups especially in their preparations for Ati-Atihan costumes.  

The registration for Sadsad Ati-Atihan contest for tribes and groups will start on September 22. The deadline of registration is set on December 22 at Kasafi office at 5 p.m.

The subsidies will be released in the last week of October to some 30 tribes and groups from the municipalities of Makato, Banga, Numancia, Lezo, Malinao and the capital town of Kalibo. 

Menez said a sneak preview of next year’s festival is also set on October 26 for the Tamboe Sadsad opening salvo where Ati-Atihan tribes will display the traditional street dancing.

The 2019 Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival is celebrated from January 11 to 20 in honor Senor Sto. Niño de Kalibo.