ILOILO CITY, Jan. 29 (PIA6) - - Tribu Paghidaet of La Paz National High School was declared Champion and took home six minor awards in the first Dinagyang 360 Tribe Competition that include Best in Performance, Best in Choreography, Best in Music, Best in Production Design, People's Choice Award and Best in Discipline.

Other top winners were: Tribu Panayanon of Iloilo City National High School, first runner-up; Tribu Ilonganon of Jalandoni Memorial National High School, second runner-up; Tribu Salognon of Jaro National High School, third runner-up; and Tribu Dagatnon of Ramon Avancena National High School, fourth runner-up. Tribu Ilonganon also bagged the two minor awards namely, Best in Costume Design and Headdress and Best in Sadsad.

The winners were announced and awarded in late afternoon or a few hours after the spectacular performances of the eight school-based competing tribes in four judging areas during the highlight on Sunday here of Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2020.

Mayor Jerry Trenas led the awarding ceremony held at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand. Joining him in handing in the cash prizes and trophies were Iloilo City Lone District Congresswoman Julienne Baronda, other city officials and officers of the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc.

Dinagyang 360 Tribe Competition is one of the innovations introduced by the IFFI which spearheaded this year's Dinagyang Festival. It allowed spectators to watch the participating tribes dressed in extravagant and colorful costumes perform their storylines to the beats of the drums and musical instruments from all angles.

Trenas said the theme of this year's Dinagyang Festival "Perfect Vision: Celebrating the Ilonggo Spirit in Honor of Senor Sto. Nino" is a manifestation of what Dinagyang 2020 is all about, that is to give back to Ilonggos a brighter, more festive celebration and bring it to a whole new level.

In his message during the opening of the competition, he reaffirmed his commitment to bring this city's biggest religious and cultural festival to the next level.

"I would like to reaffirm my commitment to always level up Dinagyang Festival celebration every year, as long as I have the rare opportunity to lead this City of Love", said Trenas.

He said he would maximize all potentials to come up with a grander and more meaningful celebration every year.

However, he also reminded Ilonggos not to forget the real essence in the celebration of Dinagyang Festival, that "aside for our rich cultural heritage, this is also a celebration of our unwavering faith and commitment and respect to our religious tradition."

This year, Ms. Honeylet Avancena, partner of President Rodrigo Duterte, was the guest of honor, who thanked mayor Trenas for inviting her to the celebration of thanksgiving.

Members of the diplomatic corps from countries like Czech Republic, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Brazil and Indonesia, and government officials including Senators Franklin Drilon, Rizza Hontiveros and Imee Marcos, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, and PNP Chief Archie Gamboa also witnessed the event. (JSC/laf/PIA 6-Iloilo)