ILOILO City — The Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) of Jaro district has scaled down activities for the 2026 Jaro Fiesta due to limited space and the absence of suitable venues, prompting organizers to forgo some of the celebration’s traditional events, including the Jaro Fiesta Queen coronation night.
ABC Jaro president Rodel Mamon of Barangay Ungka said the lack of a covered gym and other appropriate venues around Jaro Plaza constrained the scope of this year’s festivities in honor of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria on February 2.
“Wala kami coronation kay tungod wala kami venue pero ginaplano namon by next year nga may ara gid Jaro Queen,” Mamon said in an interview with Panay News, assuring that the pageant will return in 2027.
In place of large-scale programs, ABC Jaro approved a limited lineup of activities, including a Garden Show at the left side of the ancient Jaro belfry and near the Land Bank of the Philippines, featuring ornamental plants, wood crafts, and marble products. The exhibit is open to the public until February 2.
A Food Festival and band performances are also scheduled at the old Butot Balat area starting Saturday, January 17, alongside a nearby perya that has already opened.
Despite the scaled-down district-led activities, one of the fiesta’s major highlights will proceed as planned — the Search for Miss Jaro, which features 12 candidates. The coronation night is set on February 2 at Robinsons Place Jaro.
Mamon also announced that the traditional opening salvo or parade will be held this Saturday, January 17, at 3 p.m. around Jaro Plaza, involving barangays, schools, government offices, religious groups, and other stakeholders.
He appealed for motorists’ understanding, as temporary road closures around the plaza are expected during the parade, which has become a long-standing tradition marking the start of the Jaro Fiesta./PN
