Tsinoys important part of Ilonggo community
City Mayor Jerry Treñas yesterday highlighted the significant contribution of the Filipino-Chinese community in the development of Ilonggo society.
Treñas said in an interview with the Iloilo City Hall Press Corps that the Tsinoys are already an integral part of the Ilonggo community for the past many years.
Iloilo City celebrated yesterday the Chinese New Year considered as the grandest outside Metro Manila.
Treñas said the city's grand celebration of the Chinese New Year is a manifestation of the city's recognition of the presence and effort of the Filipino-Chinese community in helping the economy of the city.
In fact, the long stretch of Iznart, Ledesma and Aldeguer Streets have been declared by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Iloilo as the "Chinatown" of Iloilo City. Old Chinese stores that sell Chinese medicines, house wares, glass wares, construction and electrical materials are situated in the said streets. Banks, restaurants and small shops are also in the area. These businesses are usually housed in old buildings in the area known in the olden times as Calle Real.
He said the Chinese community has been active in community service. They have extended assistance to the city in different forms. They have constructed schools, extended help during calamities and initiated gift-giving activities during Christmas.
The Filipino-Chinese community in the city celebrated their New Year only Tuesday to pave way for the Dinagyang. The Chinese celebrated their New Year to welcome the Year of the Fire Dog last January 29.
The Chinese New Year celebration in the city is already in its fourth year and it is marked with exciting activities like the parade, lion dances and fireworks display and cultural presentation. A food festival featuring Chinese foods was also held to add more color to the celebration.