Tribu Salognon of Jaro National High School reclaimed the Grand Championship of the Dinagyang 2026 Tribes Competition as the annual festival ended Sunday, January 25 with large crowds and no major untoward incidents.
The three-day celebration opened Friday with a fluvial procession along the Iloilo River and a solemn foot procession along JM Basa Street.
Friday night featured the ILOmination: Philippine Light Festival, which drew contingents from various parts of the country. Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) executive director Joyce Clavecillas said groups from Oriental Mindoro, Tuguegarao City, Zamboanga City and Anilao, Iloilo joined the event. A Negros Occidental contingent did not participate this year as it continues recovery from a calamity.
Competition Results and Festival Highlights
Saturday’s highlights included the Tribes Competition, featuring seven tribes inspired by the endemic flora and fauna of the Visayas, and the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, which showcased festivals from Iloilo municipalities. Community-based performances were highlighted during the Sadsad sa Calle Real, while a religious sadsad was held at San Jose Parish.
Sunday marked the culmination of Dinagyang 2026, with the final judging and awarding of the Tribes Competition. Thousands of spectators filled major venues as Tribu Salognon delivered their final performance and were declared Grand Champion, receiving PHP1.5 million in cash and a trophy. Mayor Raisa Treñas also announced PHP10 million worth of school development projects for the champion school.
Defending champion Tribu Paghidaet of La Paz National High School placed first runner-up, followed by Tribu Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National High School and Tribu Taga-Baryo of Barangay Bo. Obrero.In other events, the Tultugan Festival of Maasin won the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, the Banaag Festival of Anilao topped the ILOmination competition, and Tribu Parianon won the Sadsad sa Calle Real.
Officials credited strong coordination and high-quality performances for the success of Dinagyang 2026, themed “Bugay sang Ginoo, Bugal sang mga Ilonggo.”
