Iloilo Dinagyang a case model for local economic devt
The Iloilo Dinagyang was featured as a success story of partnership between a local government unit and a private organization, during the World Habitat Day Celebration in Butuan City, last October 12-14, 2005.
The Canadian Urban Institute (CUI), presented the Dinagyang experience as a case model in the public-private partnership in a workshop on Strategic Planning for Local Economic development(LED) facilitated by CUI Regional Manager Francis Gentoral.
Dinagyang Executive Director Ben Jimena talked about the gains of the collaboration between the City of Iloilo and the Dinagyang Foundation, Inc. since the latter took over the operation of the festival in 2002. He also cited the role of other local stakeholders and the efforts and strategies of the marketing and promotions and other partners.
Tagged as Balanghai Summit, the World Habitat Day celebration was held by the Local Inter-government Actions for Integrated and Innovative Solutions for the attainment of the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs), in cooperation with the Government of New Zealand, UN Habitat, UNDP, Philippine Urban Forum, League of Cities of the Philippines and the City Government of Butuan.
Participating in the summit were the fourteen cities, the first batch selected to be the beneficiaries of the localization of the MDGs. About 200 hundred participants attended the conference which was keynoted by Vice President Noli de Castro, who is also the Chairperson for HUDCC.
In addition to his presentation on the Dinagyang, Mr. Ben Jimena also talked about the different task forces which the Iloilo City government created to implement programs and projects. These are the Iloilo Investment Promotion Center, Iloilo City Tourism Commission, Iloilo City Convention Bureau, Iloilo City Investment Incentive Board, Traffic Management Task Force, Clean and Green Project, Solid Waste Management, Flood Control Project, the Iloilo Cultural Heritage Conservation Council and the Guimaras Iloilo City Alliance.
For Guimaras Mr. Evan Anthony Arias, discussed the organization and operation of the Provincial Economic Office, while Ms. Angeles Gabinete reported on community-based heritage tourism.
It was learned in that Summit that GAINS for the MDGs has considered using the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2006 as aprotoype tool in promoting and achieving the MDGs.
(PIA 6)