JUNE: FESTIVALS AND VOLCANIC CHALLENGES
* Dinagyang’s National Glory
This city’s much celebrated Dinagyang Festival, represented by Tribu Pan-ay from Fort San Pedro National High School, clinched its eighth championship title at the Aliwan Fiesta 2024, held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in Pasay City on June 29.
Maasin, Iloilo’s Tultugan Festival took second place.
The world-renowned Dinagyang triumphed over 15 other competitors from across the nation, bringing home a grand prize of P1.5 million.
* Kanlaon Volcano Eruption
A phreatic or steam-driven eruption occurred at Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island on June 3.
The eruption produced a 5,000-meter plume, according to the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS).
DOST-PHIVOLCS raised the alert level of Kanlaon from Alert Level 1 (abnormal) to Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest).
The volcano’s eruption caused over P11 million in agricultural losses and displaced thousands of residents.
JULY: INFRASTRUCTURE AND EDUCATION
* Jalaur Mega Dam Inaugurated
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the unveiling of the high dam marker and ceremonial pressing of the button to signal the opening of the dam gates during the inauguration of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project (JRMP) Phase II in Calinog, Iloilo on July 16.
The inauguration of the mega dam boosted food security and water resources for Western Visayas.
* Investing in Youth
Iloilo City allocated P195 million for new school buildings (July 15), demonstrating a commitment to nurturing future generations.
AUGUST: HEALTH AND HERITAGE
* Biggest Drug Haul in WV
Policemen seized 6,080 grams of shabu approximately valued at P41.3 million in Barangay 35, Bacolod City on August 13.
Captain Glenn Soliman, chief of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit, said it was the biggest single drug haul seized in the region in 2024.
Arrested was John Philip “Tol” Dellomo.
His father Lauro Ceralvo Dellomo and brother, Barangay 35 chief tanod Ronel Mawa Dellomo, were also arrested for obstruction of justice.
* Dengue Epidemic Alarms Region
Dengue cases surged past 12,000 as of Aug. 18, prompting intensified government efforts to raise awareness and improve early diagnosis.
* Iloilo City’s 87th Charter Day
The city celebrated its rich history with grand festivities on Aug. 25, reflecting its progress and cultural pride.
SEPTEMBER: EDUCATION AND HOMECOMINGS
* Teacher Exodus Amid Better Opportunities
Over 200 teachers in Western Visayas resigned for overseas opportunities (Sept. 12), sparking concerns about the local education sector’s sustainability.
* Jed Mabilog Returns
Former mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog has returned home nearly seven years after he fled the country in 2017 after being publicly and repeatedly accused of protecting drug lords by former President Rodrigo Duterte, a claim that he has consistently denied.
Agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested Mabilog upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Sept. 11.
Mabilog was then escorted to the Sandiganbayan where he posted a P90,000 bail for his temporary freedom relative to the graft case over an allegedly anomalous vehicle towing contract signed in 2015.
OCTOBER: POLITICS AND FESTIVALS
* Dynasties Dominate Politics
The filing of Certificates of Candidacy (Oct. 16) highlighted the enduring influence of political dynasties in Iloilo, sparking debates on democratic representation.
* MassKara Festival Shines Despite Rain
Bacolod celebrated its 45th MassKara Festival (Oct. 20) despite inclement weather, showcasing the region’s unwavering spirit.
NOVEMBER: GLOBAL CONNECTIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY
* CityNet Meeting in Iloilo
Iloilo City hosted Asian leaders for the 44th CityNet Executive Committee Meeting (Nov. 6), promoting discussions on sustainable urban development.
* Dragon Boat Festival Makes a Splash
The Iloilo River came alive with the return of the Dragon Boat Festival (Nov. 11), blending sportsmanship with environmental awareness.
DECEMBER: DISASTERS, SAFETY CAMPAIGNS, AND LONG-AWAITED DEVELOPMENTS
* Ungka Flyover Fully Opens
After years of controversy and construction challenges, the Ungka Flyover fully opened to traffic on Dec. 23. However, questions about its long-term stability remain as experts continue to assess the structure’s safety. The Department of Public Works and Highways assured the public of ongoing monitoring, but critics raised concerns about accountability for delays and budget overruns.
The four-lane, 453.7 lineal meters long flyover was constructed beginning January 2020 and opened to traffic on the first week of September 2022. But this was closed two weeks after due to vertical displacement or subsidence.
The P680-million flyover then undergoing rectification costing P300 million more, ballooning the total price to nearly P1 billion.
* Kanlaon’s Sudden Eruption
Kanlaon Volcano erupted again on Dec. 9, with a loud explosion echoing across nearby areas.
The PHIVOLCS reported that the explosive eruption occurred at 3:03 p.m., releasing a massive ash plume and triggering pyroclastic flows.
Kanlaon Volcano, a stratovolcano standing at 2,465 meters above sea level, straddles the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. Known as the highest peak in the Visayas, it is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines.
According to PHIVOLCS, the eruption produced an ash column that soared 3,000 meters above the summit and drifted west-southwest.
As 2024 came to a close, Western Visayas reflects on a year of resilience and unity, embracing lessons learned to build a brighter 2025./PN
