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Iloilo Dinagyang Warrior statue at the Iloilo River Esplanade



A bronze of Datu Paiburong will be inaugurated tomorrow, Jan. 21 at the Iloilo River Esplanade. A project of the JCI (Junior Chamber International) Iloilo Ilang-Ilang in partnership with the Iloilo City Government, the warrior statue will be unveiled to showcase Iloilo City's Dinagyang Festival, just in time for its celebration over the weekend. 
The statue which depicts Datu Paiburong as the Iloilo Dinagyang Warrior conceptualized and designed by local artist Boy Maculino. It stands 15 feet from its base and will be made from cement with a bronze finishing.
The statue is a donation of JCI Iloilo Ilang Ilang, an all-female chapter of the Junior Chamber International. JCI Iloilo Ilang-Ilang continues to carry out its mission of creating positive change in the community by providing development opportunities that empower women and young people.

Legend says that the 10 Datus said to have escaped the tyrannical rule of Sultan Makatunaw of Borneo. Travelling by sea they reached Panay Island which they "bought" from the Aeta king Marikudo by exchanging it with a Golden Salakot and a very long pearl necklace. 
This so-called "Barter of Panay" has been the legendary basis for the Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan and the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo. When the 10 datus subdivided the island, Datu Paiburong chose an area to which Iloilo now stands.

Photos by Robbie Robles (Iloilo City Gallery) and Ron Carnaje 
with reports from The Daily Guardian and Panay News

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