City exec assures peaceful Dinagyang festival
Iloilo -- Mayor Jerry Treņas assured city residents and visitors that the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has already beefed up security measures to maintain the peace and order situation in this city during the holding of the 2006 Dinagyang Festival that officially started Friday.
"Our police personnel are very much ready. I have already meet with Police City Director Norlito Bautista and the different precinct commanders with regard to this", Treņas said in a TV interview.
Treņas said to add more police personnel in the city, request for augmentation from the PNP provincial office has been made.
Also, as part of the preparation, Treņas said, a continuing clean-up of the city is being made. To recall, the city government has launched "Iloilo Squeaks for Dinagyang" project early this year. The project involves cleaning, beautifying and putting things in order with the aim that both residents and tourists will feel comfortable and safe during the festivities. This is in cooperation with the other concerned sectors in the city.
Treņas disclosed that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is expected to lead officials who will grace this year's festival. "I have received confirmation of her arrival and coordination is still going on with the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) in relation to this," Treņas said.
According to Treņas also expected are dignitaries from other countries like the Ambassadors of Israel, Sweden, Burma and Japan; Consuls of Israel and the United States; Charge d Affairs of Nigeria and Military Attache of Israel. Also, a big delegation from Guam is expected.
Dinagyang Festival is one of the popular religious and cultural events of the city and province of Iloilo attracting both local and foreign tourists every year. This is celebrated every fourth weekend of January to honor Holy Infant Jesus. The event also provides venue to display the artistic talents of Ilonggos and its rich cultural heritage as depicted through the various activities and highlighted by the Kasadyahan and Ati Tribe competitions and the street dancing of frolicsome merrymakers. (PIA 6)