Iloilo City’s hosting of global gatherings should go down to the grassroots.

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas wants the villages to be involved in massive promotions of the metropolis as prime destination for MICE or Meetings, Incentive travels, Conventions, and Exhibitions.

Barangay officials were among the 300 attendees of First Iloilo City MICE Forum and Stakeholders’ Workshop conducted at Ker Building Sept. 4-6.

MICE Director Salvador D. Sarabia, Jr., who is also former Tourism Undersecretary, heads the newly-opened MICE Center at third floor of City Hall, to strongly push promotional initiatives to sell the city to visitors.

He noted the MICE Center, consultants, and facilitators gained acceptance of citizens, specifically tourism stakeholders of MICE idea.

“As growth engines for development and progress, we should take care of MICE as a centerpiece of governance. The assembly had very good results because we saw the positive and favorable reactions of Ilonggos in this approach,” Sarabia said.

“During meetings, we listen to and ask stakeholders. It is not only us who initiate. But it is better if they suggest ideas. We collaborate for our city,” he added.

MICE will be inclusive as it now involves the multi-sectors who will also benefit from the multiplier effects brought by busy economic activities when there are many people around.

“First, we have to ask of their plans because the city has the resources, so what do they want? From bottom to up, because they are leaders of the community, and they know what are the needs. They just need direction where we are going because by then, they will know what to do, we will go with them,” Sarabia said.

“The next step is to put already on the ground the stakeholders. I call them MICE associates, in academe, tour guides, agencies, hotels and restaurants, and Local Government Units (LGUs),” he added.

Sarabia said they will send letters to individuals, associations, organizations where they can co-sponsor in programs and projects.

“The alignment of works is attuned to goals. We work together in unison with unified mind and voice in promoting the city,” he said.

Dinagyang Festival merrymaking in January will introduce a bigger “Sadsad” or street-dancing to enjoin more participation from locals and tourists.

Its twin festivity Kasadyahan cultural contest will be a stand-alone activity and moved to a later date.

Paraw Regatta in February and Iloilo Bike Festival in summer follow suit.

Sarabia said there should be another big event to fill the gap of year-long events as the mayor wants to have as many activities as possible.Iloilo City PIO