Iloilo in the Central Philippines has recently increased its festival budget for 2025 to approximately US$891,000, a substantial rise from US$689,000 last year.

Funds for these events are channeled through the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc (IFFI).

During a press conference on February 3rd, Mayor Jerry Treñas stated that the higher budget allocation is necessary due to the expanding scale of festivals celebrated in the city.

Particularly, the well-known Dinagyang Festival, which takes place on the fourth weekend of January, has experienced significant growth since the city reopened for tourism following the pandemic.

Treñas mentioned: “For the seven days of the Dinagyang festivities, More Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) experienced an additional four megawatts of power demand daily due to an increase in festival-related events.”

The mayor also commended the IFFI for its efforts in organizing the recent five-day Chinese New Year celebration, which concluded on February 1st.

In addition to Dinagyang, Iloilo hosts several other festivals, such as the Paraw Regatta Festival in March, the Festival of Food in April, the Bike Festival in July, and the Art Festival in October.