ILOILO City – The city government and partners launched a book that showcases the city’s progress for the past two decades.
A project of Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, “Iloilo City Rises: Padayon sa Pag-uswag”, chronicles this southern city’s remarkable achievements, development, and transformation into a vibrant and progressive metropolis as well as a center of the arts, culture and heritage in the Visayas.
“The launch of our legacy book signifies not just the culmination of a project, but the beginning of a new chapter as we continue to move forward creating a better future, with our past accomplishments as our source of motivation and inspiration,” said Treñas, who led the launching together with other City Hall officials, sponsors and the book’s editorial team, on May 20 at the Iloilo Convention Center.
As stated in the book’s end word “The Way Forward” written by the city mayor himself, the book is “destined to become an integral part of the city’s history, serving as legacy for the Ilonggo youth who will one day become the leaders of our cherished city.”
The 256-page publication was authored by five Ilonggo writers, together with five photographers and two contributors.
It has seven chapters which include “A Livable, Lively Urbanscape” written by Ma. Luisa Mabunay; “Between Heritage and Modernity” by Vicente S. Salas; “Ahead of the Curve” by Ted Aldwin Ong; “Pagpalangga in Iloilo City” and “Classrooms of the Future” by Hazel P. Villa; and “Living in Harmony with Nature” and “Rhythm and Pulse” by Rhick Lars Vladimer T. Albay.
Villa, who was also one of the writers of the coffee table book “A Rich and Noble Land” published 17 years ago, said the new follow-up book “speaks volumes about how we have changed as a city and as a people.”
She added that it is commendable of the Iloilo City Government to release the book at a time when it is receiving global attention for its initiatives in various aspects of governance.
“I thank God for giving me the opportunity to chronicle these important years in the evolution of modern Iloilo City, and I look forward to a third volume… There are so many learnings from this book aside from the excellent photography,” she added.
Former Tourism Secretary Narzalina Lim, the editorial and production director of the book, said the book tells stories from the point of view of the Ilonggos themselves, how the dramatic, miraculous transformation of the city took place and continues to unfold.
“We chose five Ilonggo writers, all residents of the city, to tell stories about various facets of its development. With five Ilonggo photographers and two contributors, who took hundreds of photographs, 300 of which are in the book, we have produced a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Ilonggos who, inspired by the right leadership, rallied behind their political leaders to transform Iloilo City to what it is today,” she shared during the launching ceremony.
Former senator Franklin M. Drilon, a true-blooded Ilonggo himself, was among those who graced the event. He was acknowledged by Treñas as the one who brought in so many developmental projects for Iloilo when he was still a senator, and even until now in his private capacity.
“‘Iloilo City Rises’ takes the reader on a journey across time and space, celebrating our vibrant development as Ilonggos. More importantly, the book pays tribute to th e Ilonggos’ unyielding fortitude and optimism under the most difficult circumstances,” he said.
The book is dedicated to Oscar M. Lopez (1930-2023), an Ilonggo scholar, writer, historian, and captain of industry, who believed in Iloilo’s potential. He wrote the Foreword in the book, “Iloilo, A Rich and Noble Land” saying that “I, for one, believe Iloilo still has a great future ahead of it, Iloilo City will become the Queen City of the South once again, able to compete against all comers for economic primacy. I believe that for the city and province of Iloilo, the best is yet to come.”
The book is co-published by the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) and Kasingkasing Press.
Treñas, meanwhile, expressed his gratitude to the editorial team, the sponsors and everyone, who in one way or the other, contributed in the making of the book.
For those who wish to purchase, the books are available at the IFFI office at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand (at the back) on Muelle Loney St., Iloilo City, or contact the IFFI secretariat at 0960 420 21 29 for more details. (Iloilo City PIO)/PN