ILOILO City – The city government celebrates this metropolis’ 81st Charter Day today, declared a special non-working holiday here by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Mayor Jose Espinosa III is inviting the public to witness the event which starts with a street dancing parade at 7 a.m.
“We are greatly honored to celebrate our cityhood. A lot of improvements have been done from government services such as education, health, environment, job opportunities, to infrastructures brought by many investments and resulted to recognition and awards here and abroad,” said Espinosa.
On Aug. 25, 1937 Iloilo was formally inaugurated as a chartered city after the municipalities of La Paz, Mandurriao, Molo, and Arevalo were merged on July 16, 1937 by virtue of Commonwealth Act No.158.
This year’s celebration theme is “Pag-ulikid kag Pagtib-ong: Fostering Local Communities by Strengthening Global Connections.”
The “Sinadya sa Ciudad: A Choreographed Street Dancing Competition” will be participated by schools, city hall departments and offices, representatives of seven districts through the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials, national government agencies, civic associations, civil society organizations, business corporations, and companies.
The continuous street dancing performances will give participants a three-minute presentation including entrance and exit in front of city hall as judging area.
The carousel route will start from city hall, JM Basa Street, Iznart Street, turn left to Delgado Street at Amigo Terrace Hotel, turn left to Valeria Street, turn left to Ledesma Street, turn right to Iznart Street going to Maria Clara, turn left to Rizal Street, going to the old SSS Building, turn left to Zamora Street, going to San Jose Church, and turn left to the city hall facing Plaza Libertad.
Espinosa said another highlight of the celebration will be the Sister Cities’ Night with a theme “Weaving Cultures” to be held 6 p.m. at Elizalde building.
Aside from Espinosa, also on hand to welcome guests are Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Special guests include Sen. Cynthia Villa and San Juan City’s Mayor Gia Gomez, among others.
The fellowship aims to showcase Ilonggo culture and build relationships between Iloilo City and its sister cities for cultural and economic exchanges.
For almost a month leading to today’s Charter Day affair, a string of events were held to drum up the celebration. These included the 4Ps Family Day, Search for Miss LGBT Ambassadress of Iloilo City 2018, Lin-ay sang Ciudad 2018, Zumba Fitness 2018, mass wedding, Senior Citizens’ Day, road-sharing advocacy, and Mom and Child Expo, among others.
“Iloilo City has been recognized not only nationally but globally as well because of a lot of developments happening. As we celebrate our cityhood, we would like to make the festivity livelier,” Espinosa said.
For today’s “Sinadya sa Ciudad: A Choreographed Street Dancing Competition”, the contest is divided into three categories:
* Category A for public schools
* Category B for city hall departments and offices or clusters
* Category C for representatives of the seven districts through the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan, national government agencies, civic clubs / associations, civil society organizations, business corporations and companies, and private schools.
The champion in each category will get P50,000; first runner-up, P35,000; second runner-up, P25,000; and consolation prize of P15,000.
The Best in Choreography, Music, and Costume winners in each category will also be given P10,000.
Participating groups are encouraged to make innovative costumes. (With a report from Glenda Sologastoa/PN)
