107th Semana Sang Iloilo opens today
Today marks the opening of the 107th Foundation Week of the Province of Iloilo.
Iloilo is an old province. Folk history traces its origins to ancient times when it was called Irong-Irong by the Aeta aborigines. When Malayans settled in Panay they modified the name to Ilong-Ilong.
When the Spaniards arrived in Iloilo, they established the Alcaldia de Panay in 1570, with Oton as the capital. The Alcaldia de Panay was then renamed Provincia de Oton, and about 1688 to Provincia de Yloilo.
The exact date of the establishment of the Alcaldia de Panay or the Provincia de Yloilo cannot be determined from extant records but there is one date which is certain. This is the date when the civil government was organized in Iloilo under the Americans. This is also the first time that an Ilonggo – in the person of Martin Delgado – became the head of the province.
The provincial government which was established on April 11, 1901 has existed continuously up to the present. On the basis of these historical facts, the Sangguniang Panlalwigan of Iloilo, in its Resolution No. 237, series of 1976, adopted April 11 as "Kaadlawan sang Iloilo" and declared its observance as such from 1977 and every year thereafter.
The one-day celebration later evolved into a week-long celebration wherein various programs and projects of the province are being highlighted as well as the giving of awards to outstanding program implementors and cooperators and the giving of recognition to distinguished Ilonggos in their different fields of endeavor.
Today's activities will start off with a Holy Mass, a ribbon-cutting ceremonies of the Agro-Industrial Fair, showcasing OTOP (one town one product) and the town's tourism efforts and destination. The exhibits will showcase "government in action" through photos compiled over the years. A food festival exhibition by the Association of Hotels and Restaurants in the City and Province of Iloilo and later a silent drill exhibition by the students of John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation, Arevalo. (Marylou B. Sumbing / Capitol News).