The Iloilo City Government will ensure that the main thoroughfare and areas that will serve as venues for the 2025 Dinagyang Festival events are free from political advertisements.
In a press conference on Tuesday, Jan. 14, Mayor Jerry Treñas said that even the tarpaulins of his children and a candidate running for senator placed in a private property across the second judging area near the provincial capitol were removed during the festival’s opening salvo last week.
“I am looking forward to a livelier Dinagyang. We have made sure that the whole city will be free from tarpaulins,” he said.
For the festival, the city government has invited President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte, Senate President Francis Escudero and other sitting senators, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and other members of the House of Representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, and local officials, among others.
Treñas said Marcos, the First Lady, or Romualdez would have time to give a short message if they attend the event.
“Malacañang has been coordinating with us, asking what time (and) how many will attend. I do not know up to now whether the President or the First Lady will be coming because there was no confirmation,” he said.
“If the President is there or the First Lady is there, we’ll give them a chance to also speak.”
Meanwhile, Treñas said those intending to hold political rallies in district plazas and other areas outside the city are free to do so, provided they secure the requirements, like permits.
“Dinagyang is really the expression of faith and unity for our people, and political statements or rallies should not have any place here. This is for our religious belief,” he said.
The highlights of the festival will be on Jan. 24-26. Perla Lena/PNA
