ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. officially opened the 124th Semana sang Iloilo on Monday, April 7, encouraging provincial government employees to take the week-long celebration as both a moment to enjoy and an opportunity to showcase the province’s programs and accomplishments.
The Semana sang Iloilo is an annual celebration commemorating the founding of the province.
“This Semana sang Iloilo is for our Iloilo provincial government family,” said Defensor in his speech at the opening ceremony held at the Capitol lobby. “We also want to take this opportunity to regroup and incorporate our work and programs. You will see our directions reflected in the activities scheduled for this week.”
Defensor praised the hard work of department heads and employees in preparing for the founding anniversary celebration, noting that their efforts reflect the province’s commitment to progress.
The opening day was marked by a foot parade from Sunburst Park to the Capitol Grounds, joined by Governor Defensor and capitol employees, followed by a flag-raising ceremony and the official declaration of the Semana sang Iloilo opening.
A ceremonial switch-on of the completed 100KW Solar PV System at the Capitol Complex was also held.
Cultural and economic highlights followed, including a performance of Sinamba sa Biray-Paraw of Leganes, a packaging and labeling orientation for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and the official opening of the Trade and Agricultural Fair and Exhibit at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Grounds — one of the highlights of this year’s celebration. Local products from farmers — including fruits, vegetables, dried fish, flowers, delicacies, and more — are available for purchase.
The fair and exhibit will remain open to the public until Friday, April 11.
Activities scheduled for the rest of the week include:
* April 8 (Tuesday) – Pasundayag: A celebration of Hiligaynon folk dance; Iloilo Transport Cooperative Congress 2025; Dog and cat neutering and anti-rabies vaccination; Launching and MOA signing of “alaLAYI: Pag-ubay Legal sa Kabataan”; Basic Entrepreneurship Orientation (alaLAYI Program); Project Katuwang Symposium on legal rights and mental health; Launching of Digital Library and Library Online Platforms
* April 9 (Wednesday): — Kasadyahan Run 2025
* April 10 (Thursday) – Agrinnovate Summit; Seminar on Service Quality and Building Customer Advocacy; Mutya sang Kapitolyo 2025; 2024 Governor’s Award
* April 11 (Friday) – Thanksgiving Mass; Digital Marketing Workshop; Municipal Festival Costume Contest; Pasidungog 2025 Awards; Employees’ Night/PN
