PGMA won't be around for Dinagyang '08
Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will not be arriving in the city to witness this year's Dinagyang festival.
This was confirmed by City Mayor Jerry Treñas yesterday in a news conference with the City Hall reporters.
Treñas said is scheduled to go to Switzerland during the Dinagyang celebration.
As a result, Treñas said, the inauguration of several multi-million projects in the city has also been moved. Pres. Arroyo was invited to inaugurate the newly-completed Infante flyover, Carpenters Bridge in Tabucan, Mandurriao and double AA abattoir in Tacas, Jaro.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair Bayani Fernando, 11 mayors and one congressman have already confirmed their attendance to the Dinagyang Festival.
Those who already confirmed their arrival to Iloilo are Cong. Carlo Oliver Diasnes of Batanes, Mayor Delfin Ting (Tuguegarao), Mayor Hector Villanueva (Bais); Mayor Pablo Ortega (San Fernando, La Union), Mayor Ma. Lourdes Fernando (Marikina), Mayor Reynaldo Bautista Jr. (Baguio City), Mayor Melissa Savares (Dededo, Guam), Mayor Lawrence Cruz (Iligan City), Mayor Edward Hagedorn (Puerto Princesa), Mayor Leovic Dioneda (Sorsogon City), Mayor Alfredo Romualdez (Tacloban City) and Mayor Amiano Antolan (Samal).
Cong. Diasnes will be around not just to witness the festival but at the same time to show support for the Tribu Ivatan of Batanes. Tribu Ivatan will compete with the 19 Iloilo-based tribes for the Dinagyang tribes contest and street dancing competition. It was learned Tribu Ivatan will perform first from among the 20 competing tribes.
There is no confirmation yet on who among the foreign dignitaries, top officials of the country and senators will grace the annual occasion. The list of names of foreign dignitaries and officials are expected to be released a day before the celebration.