The Iloilo City Government assured stronger coordination among stakeholders especially with the Church relative to the promotion of Iloilo Dinagyang Festival.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas recommended to the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI), which manages the festival, to coordinate with San Jose Parish Placer that will help the city in its promotion to avoid any issues following the 100-day countdown to Dinagyang Festival 2024 on Oct. 20.
The controversy started when netizens and the media called out the City Government and IFFI for inviting as guest a vlogger/social media influencer who used foul words during the program.
“On behalf of the organizers of Dinagyang 2024, I would like to offer my apology since sensitivities were affected during the countdown. Stronger coordination with the parish will be made so that Dinagyang 2024 will be properly promoted. Viva Señor Sto. Niño! Pit Señor,” the city mayor, who is currently in South Korea for an official trip, said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, who serves as Acting Mayor, also vowed further coordination with the hosts/employees of the city government and IFFI to make sure the same thing will not happen again.
“We only want the best for Iloilo and the Dinagyang Festival as we take pride by saying, ‘Our heart beats for Iloilo.’ And if along the way, we trip, let us altogether rise above this and do better next time. I believe it is never too late to straighten things up,” he added.
Ganzon said everyone is welcome in the city. In fact, he noted that he was one of those who also welcomed the said vlogger few days ago and even thanked him for promoting the best of Iloilo.
However, as Vice Mayor, a parent, a grandfather, a servant of God and being an active church member, Ganzon emphasized that as a duly elected official of values-centered Ilonggos, he yielded to the demand of concerned sectors especially the Church, parents, and teachers on the remarks during the festival countdown.
“I fully understand that since the event was in a public place, where general audience was present, we should have been more careful and responsible with whatever we say or do,” he added.
He further assured that the leadership of the City is one with those concerned sectors who want nothing but the best for the world-class festival dedicated to Señor Sto. Niño and the Ilonggo culture. (Iloilo City PIO)
