Iloilo City comes together to celebrate growth, embrace change
Marking the first in over two decades, Ilonggos embarked on a new tradition in celebration of the Chinese New Year and the community’s togetherness that has brought Iloilo City to greater heights.
“We have come a long way. Ang pagbuligay sang aton mga utod nga Filipino-Chinese, together with the Ilonggos, has produced a lot. Nagapakita gid lang nga kun padayon ang aton pagbinuligay, malayo pa ang madangtan sang aton palangga nga syudad. Dapat kita maghugpong kay ang aton handom para sa aton syudad madamo pa,” Mayor Jerry Treñas said in his message on Friday night, January 31.
The Filipino-Chinese community in Iloilo City conventionally holds its festivities under the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch, Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. president Allan Ryan Tan explained in his message.
Now, the parade sets off under the arch and proceeds to the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, a gesture representing the collective commitment to growth and openness to change without losing sight of tradition while providing a larger and more comfortable venue for everyone.
This symbolic step towards progress was unified by business organizations and Filipino-Chinese family associations, with key political leaders including City Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, City Councilors, Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda, and USWAG Ilonggo Rep. James ‘Jojo’ Ang.
Befitting the grand occasion, Mayor Treñas, on behalf of the City Government, cited the volunteer organization Federation Iloilo Fire Brigade, Inc., a Gawad KALASAG Hall of Famer, for being instrumental in strengthening community resilience and ensuring public safety.
Renowned Ilonggo singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan was cited for his contributions to the arts and business. Chan, whose timeless music and visionary leadership have shared the grace of creativity and inspired excellence, then treated Ilonggos to a performance.
Another Chinese New Year celebration staple, cultural performances were given by Iloilo City’s four premier Chinese schools: Hua Siong College of Iloilo, Iloilo Scholastic Academy, Sun Yat Sen High School of Iloilo, and this year’s host, Ateneo de Iloilo-Santa Maria Catholic School. (Pearl Socias/Iloilo City PIO)