ILOILO CITY’S Dinagyang Festival, while a celebration of Ilonggo culture and heritage, is an opportunity to demonstrate how cultural festivities can integrate public health initiatives and environmental stewardship.
Mayor Jerry Treñas has reiterated the city government’s smoke-free policy during the festival. Smoking is strictly prohibited in Dinagyang venues and public spaces, with the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force deployed to ensure compliance. This is a bold statement that the health and well-being of the public take precedence over convenience. Revelry should never come at the expense of health.
Equally smart is Iloilo City’s focus on environmental responsibility. Festivals of this scale often leave behind mountains of waste, but Iloilo is intent on breaking that pattern. There are designated garbage areas, mandatory vendor-provided trash bins, and strategically placed portalets – all focused on waste management. The appeal to revelers to dispose of trash properly and respect public spaces is a call to action that everyone must heed to ensure a cleaner, more sustainable city.
One of the most underappreciated aspects of this initiative is the city’s effort to protect its greenery. Dinagyang revelers are reminded not to trample plants or use public spaces irresponsibly. These acts may seem minor, but they collectively contribute to the degradation of Iloilo’s natural beauty. Acknowledging the relentless efforts of the city’s gardeners in maintaining these green spaces is a powerful reminder that nature deserves as much respect as the culture we celebrate.
This year’s Dinagyang Festival also offers an opportunity to recognize the unsung heroes who work behind the scenes — street sweepers, gardeners, and enforcers — whose dedication ensures a clean and orderly celebration. Their efforts demonstrate the collaborative spirit that makes Iloilo City a model of resilience and unity.
Iloilo’s international accolades, such as the ASEAN Smoke-Free Gold Award, are well-earned. But these recognitions should serve not as the culmination of efforts but as motivation to push further. The city’s integration of public health and environmental policies into the festival framework is a forward-thinking approach that other cities can emulate. It shows that a world-class celebration is not only about dazzling performances and cultural pride but also about the collective commitment to the greater good.
As the festival drums reverberate through the streets, let us celebrate with purpose and responsibility. Let every reveler become a steward of health and the environment.
