By Mariela Angella Oladive
Few days to go until the much-anticipated Dinagyang Festival, the Iloilo City government said it is fully prepared to welcome “all visitors.”
Emphasizing the celebration’s inclusivity, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said “Dinagyang is inclusive, regardless of your color – be it yellow, red, pink… we welcome all.”
“We will extend to them the kind of welcome that we give to everybody.”
From locals to foreigners, people of all ages and different walks of life, including pets, are welcome to join the festivity, he added.
Treñas said the city government has invited local and international dignitaries to grace the celebration, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has confirmed his unavailability while awaiting confirmation from First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos.
Among the confirmed visitors are officials from Guam and the following ambassadors – Dr. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke of Germany, Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino of Malaysia, and Evan Garcia of Norway.
The Nigerian and United States embassies will send representatives.
All 24 senators have been invited, with Sen. Risa Hontiveros and Sen. Imee Marcos confirming their attendance.
Uswag Ilonggo party-list’s Rep. James “Jojo” Ang personally invited Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, along with his celebrity wife, Heart Evangelista, and former Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, and his wife Sharon Cuneta.
SECURITY MEASURES IN PLACE
Both the city and the province, on the other hand, assured the public that security measures were in place for the revelry.
“Our police are ready and extra vigilant because we expect more visitors,” Treñas said.
The police force is prepared with mobile jail facilities from BJMP to handle any security concerns.
Security measures include thorough inspections of bags, strict enforcement of sound system regulations, and the confiscation of modified mufflers.
The mayor warned against selling modified mufflers and mentioned the possibility of reviewing existing ordinances.
Likewise, the Iloilo provincial government expressed 100 percent readiness for hosting Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan 2024 on January 27, 2024.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. assures that security measures and contingency plans are also in place, with close coordination between Kasadyahan committees and the Iloilo City Government.
The public is encouraged to join the festivities responsibly.
