ILOILO – After two successive years of cancellation due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Semana sang Iloilo celebration will finally push through.
This year is the 121st Semana sang Iloilo or the 12st founding anniversary of the province.
The civil government of Iloilo was inaugurated on April 11, 1901.
Festivities open today with an estimated 2,000 employees of the provincial government joining the funwalk/streetdance parade.
COVID-19 cases in the province are down, according to Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., so he decided to push through with the celebration.
This year’s theme is apt: “Overcoming difficulties, braving possibilities”.
Defensor, however, said minimum health protocols will be observed.
“Salamat that we are able to do this. Salamat sa aton nga mga empleyado. I hope ini nga activity makabawi man ang aton nga provincial capitol family kay dugay na sila wala naka-activity. I think the whole province deserves this activity,” said Defensor.
For the funwalk/streetdance, facemask-wearing capitol employees, which will be divided into six clusters, will converge at the bike lane in front of the Toyota Showroom (formerly Marina Restaurant) at the Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue (Diversion Road) then start the walk/parade at 7 a.m.
They will walk straight to Injap Tower Hotel then turn right to Jalandoni Street (Bolilao) then towards Magsaysay road going to the Iloilo Sports Complex where the flag raising ceremony and opening program will be held.
There will be a Trade Fair and Exhibits from April 4 to 11 at the provincial capitol lobby and Casa Real to be participated by different micro-small and medium enterprises in the province.
Employees will also compete in different sporting events from April 4 – 8.
“Let’s make this a welcome to the new normal. We are really hoping that the direction that we are having now will continue,” said Defensor.
The province is still under COVID-19 Alert Level 2. However, the following towns are now under the less stricter Alert Level 1: Anilao, Balasan, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, Bingawan, Concepcion, Dueñas, Guimbal, Janiuay, Lemery, Mina, Pototan, San Dioniso, and Santa Barbara.
From April 7 – 10 the public could wine and dine at the capitol grounds beside the Philippine Red Cross and Carpark building where local musicians will perform from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the event dubbed as Kantahan sa Park with Foodfest.
On April 6 the Philippine Red Cross, provincial government and Association of Iloilo Provincial Government Employees (AIPGE) will conduct a bloodletting activity starting at 8 a.m. at the Grand Social Hall of Casa Real.
The Provincial Veterinary Office will conduct Animal Neutering and Vaccination at the Casa Real grounds of April 7 starting at 8 a.m.
Job hunters are invited to come to the Special Recruitment Activity to be conducted by the Public Service Employment Office (PESO) on April 5 and 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Casa Real.
April 8 will be the Employees’ Day where there will be special events for the employees and their family.
On April 9 (Saturday) there will be a fun ride dubbed as “Ride for RD” which is a fund raising event for nurse RD Rey P. Zamudio who is suffering from a rare medical condition.
The weeklong activities will end on April 11 through a thanksgiving mass at the capitol lobby and will be capped by a Testimonial Programme at 2 p.m. for provincial government retirees and individuals and organizations who have helped the provincial government overcome the challenges brought by COVID-19 from 2019 to 2021. (With a report from ECG, Capitol News)/PN
