ILOILO CITY, Iloilo (PNA) – The Kasadyahan Festival Regional Cultural Competition, a highlight of Iloilo’s  2013 Dinagyang Festival opened yesterday, showcasing the culture of Ilonggos and those in other parts of Western Visayas. Tribes in competition include Iloilo’s Bayluhay of San Joaquin town which was the champion in 2012; Miag-ao’s Salakayan; San Jose, Antique’s Mandaragat; Laua-an’s Pahinis de Laua-an; and Pagdayaw, Saludan, Hubon Saranggola sa Manggahan, and Hubon Binagtong sa Manggahan of Guimaras province. Governor Arthur Defensor Sr., Iloilo City Rep. Jerry Treñas and Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog graced the opening of the competition with their presence. Defensor said, “The participants will surely deliver their best performances as they anticipate the attendance of thousands of spectators.”

BRIDGE REHAB 

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar (PIA) – The Department of Public Works and Highways is rehabilitating Rosales Bridge in Calbayog City, now temporarily closed to traffic since January 15. The bridge, considered one of the most critical in the region, is being rehabilitated at a cost of R25.767 million, and the project is included in DPWH’s Infrastructure Program for 2013. The project covers 73.62 linear meters in length and is under contract with ACME Builders.  Traffic rerouting has been effected for vehicles plying the Calbayog-Allen and Calbayog-Tacloban road sections.