Garden club, Jaro ABC tiff over
Finally, the Association of Barangay Captains in Jaro (ABC) decided to give free access to customers and clients of the Iloilo Garden Club and Horticultural Association in Iloilo City which is having its exhibit inside the Jaro Plaza as part of the Jaro Agro-Industrial Fair.
ABC Jaro president Julieta Diamante said they have already transferred the ticketing area on the other side of the plaza. However, she said they could not remove the fence (amakan) which divide the area designated to the association and the garden club.
Diamante explained that it would be an eyesore should they remove the fence. She said the fence also serves as a protection and divides the area of the garden club from the fruit vendors lining up outside the plaza.
Prior to the association's decision, the Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved a resolution Wednesday advising and authorizing the Iloilo Garden Club and Horticultural Association in Iloilo City to independently manage a portion of the plaza designated to them.
The resolution was sponsored by Majority Floor Leader Eduardo Peņaredondo. The resolution was also a reiteration of the council's previous resolution which allocates a certain area inside the plaza for the garden club. However, the ABC went beyond the council's mandate by enclosing the entire plaza.
At first, Peņaredondo wanted to pass a resolution withdrawing the authority they have given to the ABC to use portions of the plaza. However, he said it is a harsh action and might spoil the incoming Jaro fiesta celebration and they have a high regard to Senator Manny Villar who is the father of this year's fiesta queen.
He said it seems that the council is afraid of Brgy. Capt. Nick Gonzales and Diamante. Their decision to enclose the entire Jaro plaza does not carry the sentiments of all barangay captains in Jaro, he said. Well- meaning Jaro residents do not want the area enclosed and serves as site for video-karaoke kiosks.
The councilor from Jaro even taunted the ABC to enclose the entire Jaro Cathedral to raise money. They could raise as much as P3 million in three days especially during the Jaro fiesta. "Indi man ina siguro mangakig si Msgr. Lagdameo ugaling kilatan lang sila." Laughter roared inside the session hall after the councilor made such statement.
An entrance fee of 10 pesos was previously charged to those entering the garden club area. This was opposed by the garden club claiming that charging of entrance fee would discourage their prospective clients from entering the exhibit area.