ILOILO – After two years of hiatus due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Ilonggos can again enjoy the Iwag Festival in Pototan town, the “Christmas Capital of Western Visayas.”
The local government unit (LGU) of Pototan headed by Mayor Rafael Enrique P. Lazaro is making sure to color the festivities brighter starting Friday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m.
The Pototan LGU allotted almost P8 million for this festival of lights that is now 25 years old; it started in 1997.
“Ginbag-o naton ang design and lights for Iwag Festival 2022 kay ti, silver anniversary na sang Iwag subong and two years man nga wala naton na-celebrate due to pandemic,” the mayor told Panay News.
He expects visitors from Iloilo City, neighboring Passi City and towns like Mina, Janiuay, Cabatuan, Lambunao, Calinog, Badiangan, Zarraga, Leganes, Barotac Nuevo, Dingle, Dueñas, and the rest of Iloilo province.
“‘Guro more or less mga 50,000 ang mga tawo,” added Lazaro.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. will spearhead the opening of the festival, together with 3rd District’s Cong. Lorenz Defensor, regional directors of different national government agencies in Region 6, and all mayors in the 3rd District composed of Mina, Cabatuan, Maasin, Badiangan, Bingawan, Calinog, Lambunao, and Janiuay towns.
A fireworks display will be the highlight of the opening of the Iwag Festival.
There will be rides and a food festival as well.
The Christmas lights will be on until 12 midnight everyday until January 2, 2023. Similarly, there will be shows and activities at the municipal covered gym such as the following:
* Theater and Shadow on Dec. 19
* SK and Youth Organization on Dec. 21
* Iwag Festival K-Dance Contest on Dec. 22
* Choir Competition on Dec. 23
* Eric Montero Show on Dec. 25
* Indak Dance Company on Dec. 26
* LGBTQIA+ Nights on Dec. 27
* Hip-hop Dance Community & Magic Show on Dec. 28
* Celebrity Night on Dec. 29
* OFW Night on Dec. 30
* Closing Program on Jan. 2
To ensure the safety and security of the spectators, Lazaro said he already coordinated with the Pototan Municipal Police Station (MPS) and Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) for police visibility.
Last week, personnel from the Explosives Ordnance Division (EOD) and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) of the IPPO, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, other volunteers, and all tanods of the town’s 50 barangays conducted a bomb threat management and simulation exercise.
The IPPO will also deploy K-9 units around the municipal plaza./PN
