FROM COLORFUL festivals to political upheavals, natural disasters, and public health alerts, the first half of 2025 proved eventful not only for Western Visayas but for the whole country in general.
Here’s the midyear rundown that offers a glimpse into the events that shaped communities, governance, and daily life across the region and beyond.
January’s Dinagyang 2025 celebration
The Dinagyang Festival returned in full color despite overcast skies, showcasing Iloilo’s vibrant culture and creativity. Eight tribes competed at the Freedom Grandstand, with Tribu Paghidaet of La Paz National High School winning the grand championship for their “Tree of Life” performance, celebrating community bonds with nature. Tribu Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National High School placed first runner-up, followed by Tribu Ilonganon, and Tribu Salognon. Mayor Jerry Treñas praised all participants for their world-class performances that drew local and international visitors.
February and March’s political turmoil
February brought dramatic developments on the national stage. The House of Representatives impeached Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio over alleged misuse of confidential funds, sending the complaint to the Senate for trial. Iloilo lawmakers framed the impeachment as an opportunity for Duterte-Carpio to defend herself, while allies decried it as politically motivated.
Meanwhile, USAID-funded health projects in Iloilo, including the Support for Wide-scale Interventions to Find TB (SWIF-TB) program, were temporarily suspended following directives from the U.S. administration. Local health offices continued TB prevention and treatment with provincial and LGU support, highlighting the importance of sustained local initiatives amid disruptions.
In March, former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested under an ICC warrant for alleged crimes against humanity related to his drug war. The arrest drew mixed reactions locally, reflecting the nation’s divided views on justice, governance, and accountability. That same month, eight Antique Provincial Board members were suspended for boycotting a 2024 budget session, emphasizing that political interference should not hinder public projects.
April’s natural disasters, global loss, and Panay News’ milestones
April brought both awe and tragedy. Mount Kanlaon on Negros Island erupted on April 8, sending a 4,000-meter-high ash plume across Negros and prompting alerts in Panay and Guimaras. Local government units (LGUs) distributed facemasks and advised residents to take precautions against respiratory hazards, while emergency teams monitored pyroclastic flows and ashfall in multiple barangays.
On April 21, Pope Francis passed away at age 88, prompting tributes from local religious and civic leaders. Known for his humility, compassion, and advocacy for the marginalized, the pontiff’s legacy resonated with Ilonggos, who joined global mourning and prayer.
Meanwhile, Panay News celebrated its 44th anniversary on April 7, marking four decades of fearless journalism.
May elections and ‘mpox’ resurgence
The May midterm elections in Iloilo underscored the enduring influence of political dynasties. Families such as the Defensors, Debuques, Garins, Gorricetas, Birons, and Tupases claimed key local posts, from congressional seats to municipal positions. All winners were proclaimed by the Commission on Elections on May 13.
In a historic first for Iloilo City, three women — Mayor-elect Raisa Treñas, Cong. Julienne Baronda, and vice mayor-elect Love-Love Baronda — will lead the city for the next three years. Team Uswag won 11 of 12 Sangguniang Panlungsod seats, leaving Team Sulong Gugma with one.
May also saw renewed public health vigilance as mpox resurfaced in Mindanao, prompting warnings from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office. Residents were advised to watch for symptoms, practice preventive measures, and seek early detection to curb the virus’s spread.
June crises: International, agricultural threats, and journalistic milestone
The geopolitical unrest in Israel reached Western Visayas when Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 6 director Juan Jovian Ingeniero and Ilongga caregiver Beca Agundo Tabares found themselves amid missile attacks from Iran. Ingeniero and visiting officials sheltered in bunkers, while Tabares endured nightly rocket alerts while caring for the elderly. The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv coordinated assistance for affected overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), though many, including Tabares, chose to remain.
Closer to home, Panay’s sugar industry faced a new threat with the Red-Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSSI) outbreak in Capiz and Iloilo. The pest damages leaves by promoting sooty mold, reducing yields and endangering the livelihoods of nearly 300 farmers across 546 hectares. The Department of Agriculture deployed technical support and allocated P10 million for mitigation, including natural pest control methods.
Before June ended, Panay News marked another milestone after Western Visayas’ leading daily was named Best Editorial Page for the second consecutive year at the 2024 Community Press Awards of the Philippine Press Institute (PPI), held on June 27 at the Eastwood Richmonde Hotel in Quezon City.
The first half of 2025 was a period of contrasts for Western Visayas and the whole country — celebrating cultural triumphs and journalistic milestones, while confronting political controversies, natural disasters, health threats, and global crises. As communities navigated challenges both near and far, these stories captured the resilience, creativity, and determination of Filipinos in a rapidly changing world./PN
