Iloilo PDLs plan jail-based Dinagyang return in 2026

ILOILO CITY — Persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Iloilo City District Jail–Male Dormitory (ICDJ-MD) in Barangay Ungka are gearing up for a return to the Dinagyang spotlight in 2026, this time through a special, jail-based participation designed to balance security with creative expression.

Jail Superintendent Denver Beltran, warden of the ICDJ-MD, confirmed that Tribu Paghilom, the PDL cultural group, plans to mount another Dinagyang performance following its widely noted appearances in past festivals.

Unlike regular contingents, the group’s presentation will be staged entirely inside the jail facility. The performance will be relayed to the public either through a live feed or a pre-recorded video to be shown on screens at designated festival venues, ensuring compliance with security protocols.

“All performances will be done within the jail premises, but the public will still be able to watch through monitors,” Beltran said, stressing that the group’s participation will fall under a special entry and will not be part of the official competition.

Beltran added that the PDLs themselves initiated the plan to rejoin Dinagyang, with costumes, props, and materials sourced from their own resources, with support from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

More than a cultural showcase, jail officials see the initiative as a core component of rehabilitation.

“This is not just about performance,” Beltran said. “It’s part of reformation—teaching discipline, teamwork, creativity, and giving them hope.”

The planned return of Tribu Paghilom highlights how art and culture can transcend prison walls, offering persons deprived of liberty a rare platform to reclaim dignity, express growth, and demonstrate that transformation is possible—even behind bars.