ILOILO — The Iloilo provincial government is set to mount a wide-ranging, multi-sectoral celebration marking the 125th Semana sang Iloilo, highlighting not only the province’s historical roots but its continuing push for progress, unity, and inclusive development.
Anchored on the theme “Iloilo@125: Pagsaulog sang Padayon nga Kauswagan, Kapug-an kag Kadalag-an,” this year’s celebration commemorates the establishment of the civil government in Iloilo Province on April 11, 1901, while showcasing a lineup of activities designed to engage communities, boost local industries, and promote cultural pride.
A series of events which started on March 30 will run to April 9, bringing together employees, local government units, and the public in a celebration of camaraderie and shared identity through sports, arts, trade, and civic initiatives.
Among the highlights is the “Hinampang sa Semana sang Iloilo,” an inter-municipality sports competition set at the Iloilo Sports Complex. It kicked off on March 30 and aimed at fostering unity and healthy competition among participating towns.
This April 6, festivities will formally gather momentum with a foot parade featuring the Bougainvillea Festival from Sunburst Park in Iloilo City to the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, followed by a flag ceremony and a thanksgiving mass.
The day will also feature an MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) Trade Fair, Agri Fair and Exhibit, and a Festival Costumes Exhibit, along with learning sessions such as the introduction to the Family Search website and a Bonsai workshop.
Cultural expression will take center stage on April 7 with the Inter-Municipality Folk Dance Competition and Rondalla Contest, culminating in an awards and recognition night.
Environmental sustainability and sectoral engagement are also highlighted on April 8 with a mangrove planting activity in Barangay San Fernando, Barotac Viejo town, alongside the Iloilo Transport Cooperative Congress and the launching of TALAMDAN, a technology-driven governance initiative under the province’s development agenda.
The final day on April 9 will feature a fun run from the Iloilo Provincial Capitol to the Muelle Loney area, the finals of the sports competition, a Public Employment Service Office (PESO) job fair at Casa Real de Iloilo, a climate storytelling and book launching event, and an animal spaying and neutering activity.
Through these activities, the provincial government aims to not only commemorate a milestone in Iloilo’s governance history but also reinforce its commitment to sustainable growth, cultural preservation, and people-centered development./PN
