FESTIVALS are the heartbeat of a community, bringing people together in celebration of culture, heritage, and unity. For Iloilo City, the Dinagyang Festival is a crown jewel, a time when streets come alive with lively performances and the collective pride of Ilonggos is on full display. However, it is crucial to remember that cultural celebration must go hand in hand with responsibility toward public spaces and the environment.
Public spaces play an essential role in hosting large-scale events like Dinagyang. These areas serve as the stage where culture comes alive, and it is our duty as festival-goers to ensure they are treated with respect and care. Unfortunately, the aftermath of many festivals often reveals a darker side of the revelry: litter-strewn streets, damaged plants, and sanitation issues that linger long after the last drumbeat has faded. These are indicators of neglect that can tarnish the beauty of our city and strain its resources.
Mayor Jerry Treñas’ call for responsible waste disposal and respect for public spaces during the Dinagyang Festival is a timely reminder of the role each of us plays in preserving Iloilo’s charm. Proper waste management should be a shared responsibility, with revelers disposing of trash in designated areas and vendors ensuring their stalls are equipped with garbage bins. These simple acts of accountability can prevent the city from being overwhelmed by waste and make cleanup operations smoother for our hardworking street sweepers.
Equally important is the preservation of Iloilo City’s greenery. Plants and landscaped areas should not be seen as mere decorations but tangible expressions of the city’s higher goal of creating a livable and aesthetically pleasing environment. Stepping on plants or using green spaces indiscriminately for convenience undermines the efforts of gardeners who work tirelessly to maintain these public assets. Respecting these spaces is valuing the environment that sustains us.
Sanitation is another critical aspect of responsible festivity. The city’s provision of portalets at strategic locations is part of proactive planning to address public hygiene. However, it is up to festival-goers to use these facilities properly and avoid actions that compromise cleanliness. Maintaining sanitation mirrors our collective discipline and consideration for others.
Beyond individual actions, the success of responsible festivity relies on the collaboration of all stakeholders — from the city government to vendors, performers, and attendees. As we revel in the beauty of Dinagyang, let us remember that true celebration is not measured by how much we enjoy ourselves but by how much we give back to the spaces and people that make these events possible. By celebrating responsibly, we honor not just our culture but also the environment and community that sustain it.
