ILOILO City – “We can’t be celebrating while many are sick (with dengue).”
This, according to Mayor Jerry Treñas, was what made him decide to have a simple Charter Day celebration next month.
Iloilo would be marking the 82nd anniversary of its chartering as a city on Aug. 25.
““Our celebration this year would be scaled down. May problema kita sa dengue. Obrahon ta anay kon ano mabulig ta sa aton mga pumoluyo. I hope you understand,” said Treñas.
As of July 10, the City Health Office recorded 619 dengue cases with six deaths.
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.
The yearly celebration usually features a grand civic-military parade, street dancing, cultural presentations, sports competitions, and awarding of outstanding city residents.
Treñas said the expenses during last year’s celebration reached P5 million.
“Nagpa-abot pa sila artista. This time simplehon ta lang,” said Treñas./PN
