Church wins battle on preservation of plazas
The Iloilo City Government will soon start major make-over on the holding of fairs and fiestas in public plazas of various districts.
As such, there will only be "clean, family-fun and entertainment" meaning no more instant mini-videoke stalls with guest relation officers. It would also be goodbye to beers and other alcoholic drinks in public. And to preserve the dignity and sanitation of the celebration, no more 'ukay-ukay' as well.
With this month's district fiesta in Mandurriao as the 'buena mano' example, church leaders here met last week in a multi-sectoral consultative dialog.
Mayor Jerry Treñas was represented by Engineer Noel Hechanova, City Environment and Natural Resources Officer. The meeting also saw the attendance of lay leaders, top officials of the district's Association of Barangay Captains and the police. The Catholic Church had Mandurriao Parish priests' Father Espiridion "Boy" Celis and Father Renato Cuadras.
City Councilor Armand Parcon, chair of the Committee on Tourism was present as well. Parcon expressed his nod on the group's sentiments. A workshop will be held "as soon as possible" to fine-tune the parameters of the changes and its implementation.
The discussion took off from concerns similarly raised by the Church and the city government.
"Let us protect our environment and preserve our plazas," Engineer Hechanova told the group.
The ensuing exchange reached an agreement that stipulated guidelines to be used not only in Mandurriao but other districts thereafter.
Engineer Hechanova in an interview told The News Today (TNT) he poses no objection to the celebration "provided the guidelines as agreed will be adopted."
Among the major changes will be "allowable and acceptable" limited to exhibits, shows, and displays supportive of Ilonggo culture, art and history. Yes too on exhibits of Iloilo's agriculture, fishery, and industry, crafts and horticulture and those showing environmental concern.
Further still are "wholesome family entertainment" like circus, rides and shows. While a clear no-no to activities that are threats to peace and order and "are immoral" such as sale of alcoholic drinks and any form of gambling.
The 'ukay-ukay' is also a no-no now in the public plazas with such considered to be "potential eyesores."
The dialog also laid down measures for "controlling sanitation, garbage and noise and other concerns."
"For stall permits, we have developed a standard form for the use of all ABC and this has been in use since 2004. This is an agreement between the ABC and the stall, limiting and prohibiting certain acts relative to cleanliness, sanitation and the destruction of plants. As agreed during the meeting the ABC will continue to use the form," Engineer Hechanova said. "Toilets and bathing areas will be made available to the stall owners and the general public in identified areas."
Yet another concern addressed was garbage Management where each stall shall maintain a garbage bag for the duration of the fair. A designated drop off and pick-up point were also established with a team consisting of Tanod members from different barangays of the district deputized for the job.
And finally, noise management. The dialog came up with a regulation where all sound system shall be maintained at the proper sound level.
This will be determined and demonstrated by the City ENRO where installation of sound-check meter systems will be done.
"The Tanod team, with the assistance of the Mandurriao PNP shall see to it that this is observed," Engineer Hechanova said. "In the observance of the standard agreement, all stall holders are prohibited from constructing any form of permanent structure. Temporary structures must also be dismantled after the event without the need for notice. And more importantly, ornamental plants and trees of the plaza shall be protected."
Cooking and hanging of clothes by the stall owners are likewise prohibited.
Mayor Treñas is expected to approve the agreed provisions.