Capitol to host testimonial dinner for foreign ambassadors

The Iloilo Provincial Government will be hosting a testimonial dinner for foreign ambassadors on March 17, 2005 at 7:00 pm at Capitol's ground floor in connection with the celebration of 60th Anniversary of the Liberation of Panay on March 18 th.

It was learned from Provincial Tourism Officer Bombette Marin that these foreign dignitaries from Allied Nations such as United States , United Kingdom , Australia and New Zealand while foreign ambassadors from Canada , China , Japan and European Union. Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo is also expected to grace the affair.

Other invited guests are Senate President Franklin Drilon , Department of Justice Acting Secretary Raul Gonzalez, Department of Land Reform Secretary Rene Villa and Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas Rafael Coscolluela .

The dinner in “Barrio Fiesta” setting will feature Filipino cuisines and native delicacies. The guests will also be welcomed by drumbeats from Dinagyang Ati-Ati Tribe upon their arrival at the capitol and they will be entertained by cultural presentations from Iloilo National High School 's Dagyaw Dance Troupe and Rondalla of Alimodian . The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will be having its display of local products at the capitol's canopy.

Prior to the dinner, the guests/dignitaries will be having an island tour to Guimaras to visit the Guimaras National Mango Research Station, Trappist Monastery, Oro Verde (orchard where mangoes exported to US are grown), Guimaras Trade and Economic Center and Roca Encantada (where they are going to take lunch).

While in Iloilo City , the group will be visiting the School for Deaf, Mute and Blind Children in Leganes , Museo Iloilo, Boat House, Jaro Cathedral and DSWD Special Day Care and early Childhood Development Project in Molo .

On March 18, they will be joining the veterans in a simultaneous hoisting of Philippine flag and flags of Allied Nations ( Australia , New Zealand , United Kingdom and USA ) and wreath laying ceremony at Veterans' Cemetery in Balantang , Jaro , Iloilo City .

They will proceed to Freedom Grandstand through a motorcade for the exhibition of Philippine Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Team and a Commemorative Program.

They will have their Commemorative Luncheon in Hotel del Rio and visit the Iloilo Producer's Association, Sinamay Dealer and Panaderia de Molo before their departure to Manila . (Ian C. Espada /PIO)