ILOILO City – Today marks this metropolis’ 83rd Charter Day as local authorities hope to rise up amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis.
Mayor Jerry Treñas invited the public to participate in a virtual program starting at 1 p.m. It includes the live stream showing of Charter day history, Mayor’s message, montage pictures of photo contest and tribute to donors music video.
The city mayor stressed that this year’s theme – “Ilonggos at the Forefront of the New Normal” –recognizes the Ilonggos’united efforts in fighting COVID-19.
The program will feature a “Pasidungog” to honor the city’s frontliners and donors.
This year’s Charter Day logo shows the rising sun and seal of the City of Iloilo to symbolize the recovery as challenged by the pandemic.
The rising seal is supported by ribbons to symbolize the support of every Ilonggo towards the attainment of a safe and strong community. The stars signify that the city has achieved its goals and has done it excellently.
Binalaybay and Essay Writing contests, with corresponding cash prizes for the winners, will help foster the literary skills of Ilonggos and to have a record for posterity of the achievements of the city in times of pandemic, said Divinagracia.
City Tourism and Development Office head Junel Ann Divinagracia said civic groups and city government departments will propose activities to strengthen local economy.
Meanwhile, for Cong. Julienne Baronda, this 83rd Charter Day anniversary celebration is more meaningful. She called on the Ilonggos to unite against an invisible enemy.
“If we look back at the history of our city, we see that our home, through natural calamities and other unfavorable circumstances, has always emerged victorious. Let this occasion be a reminder of our glorious past and our hopeful future. Let the founding our city be a celebration of our humanity as we soldier on and shift to the new normal. I am confident that we can get through these trials together,” said Baronda.
For her part, Councilor Candice Magdalane Tupas said Ilonggos are showing the whole nation how blessed they are to live in this city in the face of a pandemic.
“I am blessed to work hand in hand with you at this crucial time. We can only continue to grow if we our united in our ideals, and with sincere thoughts and deeds for each other. Together we will rise above this unseen enemy, which is COVID-19. Let us focus on progressive health care measures, adequate training , and education to fight Covid 19. Together with my husband Lex Tupas, Ugyon ta Iloilo! May God bless all!” Tupas said as she greeted the Iloilo residents a happy Charter Day.
Also, Councilor Ely Estante believes that the Charter Day declaration cements Iloilo City’s rightful place in the forefront of the country’s struggle for national self-determination even as it recognizes the city’s important role and immense contributions to the country’s economic growth.
“Unlike in the past where we celebrated our glorious achievements and rich cultural heritage, this year’s observance will be subdued, restrained by our efforts to surmount the extreme challenge of a raging pandemic. But we shall survive. We shall overcome. By the same determination, the same courage, and the same resilience, unity and cooperation that we have shown in the past, we shall ultimately win this struggle. Happy Charter Day to everyone. Bato Iloilo. Kaya ta ‘ni!” Estante stressed./PN
