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BY PRINCE GOLEZ
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January 28, 2018
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But President has message to Ilonggos
ILOILO City – President Rodrigo Duterte is not gracing today’s ati-ati tribes competition of the Dinagyang Festival. But he has a message to the Ilonggos: “Help those who are in need.”
Mayor Jose Espinosa III personally invited the President to attend the 50th edition of Dinagyang, a milestone in the festival’s history, but the schedule of the country’s chief executive was full. He returned to the Philippines late Friday night from an official trip to India.
According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, the President would immediately attend to the needs of thousands of Filipinos displaced by the eruption of Mayon volcano in Albay province.
In his Dinagyang message, Duterte said the festival “reminds us all of the true essence of bayanihan – the communal spirit which enables localities to survive difficult times and animates people to achieve great things for the common good.”
There was no mention of illegal drugs in the presidential message. In August 2016 Duterte branded Iloilo “most shabulized” and in June 2017 as “bedrock of illegal drugs.”
The President urged Ilonggos “to do (y)our share in building a stronger and more prosperous nation for the present and future generations.”
He described Dinagyang as “one of the most colorful and festive celebrations in the country” and “connotes deep religious, cultural and historical significance for the people of Iloilo City.”
But apart from honoring the Child Jesus, according to the President, Dinagyang also “commemorates the strong bond of friendship among early Filipinos.”
Duterte’s Iloilo visit would have been deemed a signal that the President has moved on from his constant attack on Iloilo.
Malacañang, however, is making up for the President’s Dinagyang absence. Three trusted aides of the President are gracing the festival – Presidential Assistant for Visayas Michael Diño, Roque and Presidential Legislative Liaison Assistant Secretary Gerald Salapantan.
Other Cabinet officials who have confirmed their attendance are Department of Tourism’s Secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo and Department of the Interior and Local Government assistant secretary Marjorie Jalosjos.
Dinagyang is Iloilo City’s version of the Ati-atihan celebrations widely observed not only in Panay Island but also in other parts of the country. It may not be as ancient as the one in Kalibo, Aklan but it is known more for the participants’ impressive choreography and striking costumes that reflect the ingenuity, craftsmanship and artistry of the Ilonggos.
Other government officials attending the Dinagyang are Tourism Promotions Board’s Cesar Montano, Assistant Secretary Paul Anthony Pangilinan of the National Youth Commission, National Bureau of Investigation’s Atty. Dante Gierran, National Museum of the Philippines director Jeremy Barns and Assistant Director Ana Labrador, Vice Mayor Joseph George Lechoncito of Tacurong City, and Joji Juele Jalandoni of the Philippine Independence Day Council City Inc./PN
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