By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
Politicians attending the major activities of the Dinagyang Festival will be allowed to give speeches, but these will be limited in duration, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said.
Treñas explained that allowing very important persons (VVIPs), especially politicians, to speak is a gesture of courtesy and respect for their presence.
As of Jan. 14, at least 46 VVIPs have confirmed their attendance at the festival’s major activities.
The list includes former Senators Franklin Drilon and Bam Aquino, Senator Mark Villar, and reelectionist Senators Francis Tolentino and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.
Also attending are Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar and Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, both seeking Senate seats in the 2025 elections.
Other VVIPs include officials from Hagat, Guam; Taipei; and the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines, among others.
“We will limit their opportunity to speak if we decide to allow it. Usually, it’s only the mayor who delivers a welcome speech during the Dinagyang. But if House Speaker Martin Romualdez is here, it would be impolite not to let him speak,” Treñas said on Jan. 14.
While President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos have yet to confirm their attendance, Treñas said the city government remains in communication with Malacañang.
“If the president or first lady attends, we will allow them to speak briefly. Even my speech is short because, for me, the celebration of the Dinagyang is what matters most,” he added.
Treñas assured that all VVIPs present would be acknowledged, highlighting the Filipino tradition of hospitality.
He also confirmed the invitation extended to Iloilo City Rep. Julienne “JamJam” Baronda. The two, former political allies, have been at odds since March 2024 due to differences ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.
“I had a bad experience before. I do not want her to suffer the bad experience I endured,” Treñas said.
In 2019, Treñas, then Iloilo City congressman, was not invited by the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. to the festival as he ran for mayor against then-Mayor Jose Espinosa III.
The incident led to the creation of the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc., which now manages the Dinagyang Festival alongside the city government and the Parish of San Jose de Placer.
