By Mariela Angella Oladive
While the spotlight often shines on the colorful performances and vibrant atmosphere of festivals, behind the scenes, the dedicated street sweepers and workers of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) work tirelessly to maintain the city’s cleanliness.
Their hard work did not go unnoticed after they received a well-deserved recognition for their invaluable contributions.
On February 7, Iloilo City Councilor Romel Duron authored a resolution that commended “the Exemplary Performance of General Services Office, City Environment and Natural Resources Beautification Team, Their Job Hire Employees, and Street Sweepers in Painstakingly Maintaining the Cleanliness of the Staging Areas and Entire Iloilo City During the Dinagyang Festival Celebrations on January 26-28, 2024.”
The resolution acknowledges the dedication of street sweepers, cleaners, and garbage collectors “in managing tons of debris across the city’s streets, commercial areas, and staging venues throughout the week-long celebration of Dinagyang, along with the 9-kilometer Iloilo River Esplanade, Jaro Plaza, and surrounding areas during the patronal fiesta of Jaro.”
Moreover, Iloilo City’s recognition as one of the recipients of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Clean Tourist City Award 2020-2022 underscores its commitment to beautifying public spaces, enhancing environmental sustainability, and promoting tourism.
The successful execution of the Dinagyang Festival further solidified the city’s reputation as a premier cultural destination, attracting thousands of visitors to witness the spectacular performances of eight school-based competing tribes.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod unanimously passed the resolution commending the exemplary performance of the General Services Office, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, and the Iloilo City Beautification Team, along with their job hire employees and street sweepers, for their efforts in keeping the city clean during the celebrations.
The Council also applauded ENRO head Engr. Neil Ravena for his leadership and hands-on involvement in overseeing the street sweepers’ operations during the festival.
According to Ravena, approximately 100 tons of waste were collected following the conclusion of the festivities, underscoring the magnitude of their collective effort to preserve the city’s cleanliness.
The recognition underscores the city’s dedication to cleanliness and cultural excellence, honoring the contributions of the said workers to the festival’s success.
