‘FATHER OF DINAGYANG’ GETS OWN MONUMENT

The San Jose de Placer Parish unveiled the monument of Fr. Ambrosio "Boy" Galindez, OSA, the "Father of Dinagyang" at the church grounds on Nov. 13.

Mayor Jose Espinosa III graced the launching and blessing of the monument, along with Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation (IDFI) president Ramon Cua Locsin, IDFI board of trustees, and members of Cofradia del Sto. Niño de Cebu- Iloilo Chapter.

“The blessing of the monument of Fr. Galindez is a reminder to all of us of the history of Dinagyang and our rich culture here in Iloilo City,” said Espinosa.

The event was initiated by Rev. Fr. Raymundo Edsel Alcayaga, current parish priest.

“In this year, during the celebration of the 50th year of the Cofradia and Iloilo Dinagyang Festival, we thought of putting up a memorial monument to honor Fr. Galindez,” said Alcayaga.

He said the fund for the establishment of the monument came from IDFI and the parish, which costs more or less P24,000.

The monument of Galindez is situated at the left side of San Jose de Placer parish church in front of the adoration chapel.

Galindez was born in November 2, 1930 in Bohol.

He was ordained on July 12, 1959 at St. Peter’s Basillica in Vatican City.

Galindez’s first assignment in the Philippines as a priest was at the Convento and Colegio del Sto. Niño de Cebu.

He was also the school chaplain of Colegio del Sto. Niño de Cebu, and director of Cofradia del Sto. Niño.

Between 1967 to 1970, Galindez became the school director of San Jose Parochial School and founded the Cofradia del Sto. Niño de Cebu-Iloilo Chapter.

The roots of Dinagyang festival could be traced back in 1968 when the replica of the image of Sto. Niño de Cebu was brought to Iloilo City.

The image was a gift of Fr. Sulpicio Enderes to Fr. Galindez who was then the parish priest of San Jose de Placer Parish sometime in 1967.

Devotees in Iloilo City, including those from Cebu and members of Cofradia del Sto. Niño de Cebu, held a merry-making to honor Sto. Niño, in what they called as “Ati-Atihan sa Iloilo.”

In 1977, the City Government and San Jose de Placer Parish decided to change the name of the festival in order to distinguish it from Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan, and called it “Dinagyang” as suggested by broadcaster Pacifico Sudario.

Dinagyang came from the word “dagyang” which means merry-making or revelry in Hiligaynon.

SOURCE: Iloilo City Government

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