ILOLO City – Today, this city celebrates its 86th Charter Day anniversary.
While Ilonggos are being urged to look back with discernment and cherish Iloilo’s storied beginnings, Mayor Jerry P. Treñas is appealing for the public’s continuous cooperation as the metro pushes forward for more growth and sustainable progress.
“We sought unity and cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic. This time, as we continue to move forward, we need your constant support. This is the way. Kinanglan ta gid ang inyo bulig,” said Treñas.
Iloilo was formally inaugurated as a chartered city on Aug. 25, 1937. Then Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon came over to lead the inauguration.
The gains that Iloilo City achieved through the years must be sustained, Treñas stressed, and a lot of things still needed to be done to hit the goal of making the metro more competitive and investment-friendly, and liveable.
Keen to emphasize the importance of public cooperation, the city government came up with an apt Charter Day anniversary theme – “Trailblazing Ilonggos leading the way to sustainable progress”.
Recognizing outstanding and exemplary Ilonggos who have exceptional contributions to the development and promotion of the city, Treñas hopes, will inspire city residents, especially the young, to emulate them.
A LOOK BACK
According to former Iloilo City tourism officer Ben Jimena, the inauguration of Iloilo as a city was initially scheduled on July 16, 1937 but was moved to Aug. 25, 1937 because of the pending appointment of a permanent mayor.
That time, the interim mayor was Angel Tadeo, former provincial treasurer, and there were 24 persons interested to become the alcalde. Eventually, it was Dr. Ramon J. Campos who was sworn in as mayor of Iloilo City by President Quezon.
A review of the past with some help from historians and museum owners pointed to July 16, 1937 as the date when Commonwealth Act No. 57 became a law converting Iloilo to a city.
The condition for the conversion was its consolidation with the towns of La Paz and Arevalo to meet the population requirement. Prior to this, the towns of Molo and Mandurriao were already made part of the Municipality of Iloilo. With the consolidation, the total city population increased to 53,353 enough to meet the needed number.
At that time, Jaro was still a separate municipality that had both Leganes and Pavia areas attached to it. Several years later, when Jaro was also made part of Iloilo City, the two adjoining towns were declared independent.
ILONGGO EXEMPLARS
Today, the city government is honoring Ilonggos whose accomplishments have helped in Iloilo City’s progress.
This year’s Diamond Lifetime Achievement Award recipients are Sen. Franklin M. Drilon (Public Service); singer-composer Jose Mari Chan (Arts and Music); and Bombo Radyo founder Dr. Rogelio Florete Sr. (Mass Media).
“Gusto ta ini sila mangin ehemplo para sa aton mga pamatan on. They are the people we want to emulate. Nakalab-ot ang aton syudad sa ini nga heights because of their contributions,” said Treñas.
Drilon had been in public service for over 30 years, particularly in the executive and legislative departments, from 1986 to 2022.
“He had been an exemplary legislator. When I was in the Commission on Appointments, I saw several senators going to him asking for legal opinions,” Treñas said.
On the other hand, he said, “Mr. Chan is known for his heart-warming music across the world. I remember hearing his song ‘Beautiful Girl’ back in 2004 when we were traveling in Indonesia.”
“Dr. Florete, on the other hand, started a small local radio station in the city that boomed nationwide, expanding to various locations and made a mark in the media industry. They all deserve the Diamond Lifetime Achievement Award,” stressed the mayor.
The prestigious citation celebrates the recipients’ remarkable accomplishments with positive impacts to the community and brought pride to the City of Iloilo.
Meanwhile, five Ilonggos will be bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award – Dr. Alfonso A. Uy, Dr. Henry O. Chusuey, Architect Sergio V. Peñasales, Dr. Engracio P. Cortes, and Chess Grand Master Eugene Torre.
They will be feted today for their outstanding achievements and lasting legacy for future generations.
The city government will also cite today the Top 10 Oustanding Ilonggos of Iloilo City (TOIIC) – Manuel Librodo Jr., Carmela Española, Ruth Jarantilla, Edwin Bautista, Mary Ann Gumban, Cezar Consing, Jessica Dator-Bercilla, Edwin Valencia, Leila Valencia, and Jhett Tolentino.
Top taxpayers in Iloilo City, too, will be recognized./PN
