Tribu Ilonganon, founded in 1984, is the pride of Jalandoni Memorial National High School (formerly Known as Lapuz High School). The term “tribu” comes from the Latin word “tribus” which means “masses” and “ilonganon” from the Hiligaynon word “Ilonggo”; which is derived from the Spanish term “irong-irong”, referring to the Filipino word for nose “ilong”; and an islet in the Batiano River in Panay. The term “Ilonggo” is considered to define a specific group of people whose ethnic origins are in the provinces of Iloilo, Guimaras, and Panay.
The year 2005 marked the birth of Tribu Ilonganon for JMNHS made a daring move in joining the tougher competition, the Dinagyang Contest Open Category. Even though the tribe was a first-timer, it was declared 2nd Runner-up. It grabbed the glory by winning the coveted Champion of Dinagyang Festival 2006 and was awarded as Best in Performance, Best in Choreography and Best Choreographer. In 2007, the tribe once again won and was awarded as Best in Performance and Best in Costume.
As a two-time Champion in Dinagyang, Ilonganon became Iloilo City’s participant in the National Street Dance Competition, the Aliwan Festival, where it bagged 2nd Place in 2006 and in 2007. The tribe had been privileged to perform in various municipalities and socio-civic organizations in the Philippines namely: Bangus Festival 2006 at Dagupan City, Pangasinan, and 108th Philippine Independence Day at Quirino Grandstand, Manila and Pattaraday Festival at Santiago City, Isabela.
It was awarded 1st Runner-up in 2008, 2nd Runner-up in 2009 and 2012 and 1st Runner-up in 2013 and 2014. In 2015, the tribe was awarded 2nd Runner-up, Best in Music and Best Musical Director.
In 2016, the tribe grabbed the 1st Runner-Up and the Best in Discipline award. In 2017 & 2018, the tribe was awarded 2nd Runner Up and Best in Discipline. In 2019 Tribu Ilonganon was once again declared as the Dinagyang Festival Grand Champion, Best in Choreography, Best Choreographer and Best in Discipline. In 2020, the tribe was awarded 2nd runner-up, Best in Costume and Best Costume Designer.
