ILOILO City – For the first time in 18 years, no throngs from the Filipino-Chinese community will be packing Iznart Street here for today’s Chinese New Year.
The city government scrapped the revelry’s major activities like the lantern parade, lion dance, cultural shows, and fireworks display to avoid another surge of coronavirus disease 2019 infections.
“Wala kita activity to avoid any gatherings,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas.
The celebration would be limited to family gatherings only either in physical or virtual set-up.
Nevertheless, Treñas acknowledged the Filipino-Chinese community’s contribution to the economic growth of this southern city – one of the biggest Chinoy (Filipinos with Chinese descent in the country) avenues.
“I wish our Chinese brothers and sisters all the best for the New Year. I thank them for our close collaboration and partnership for the rapid development of the city and providing employment opportunities for our people. May the year of the Ox bring us closer to our efforts to end this pandemic,” said Treñas.
The mayor also recalled how the culture and traditions of the Chinese people influenced the Ilonggos.
“Food, medicine and different merchandize – these are few of the common things we grew up with as Ilonggos. But little that we know, these are among the products our Filipino- Chinese friends brought to Iloilo because of early trade,” Treñas said.
The city’s chief executive further said the Chinese made a permanent imprint in the culture and history of the Ilonggos and up until today.
“Every year, we remember their legacy through the Chinese New Year. They have been part of what we are today through their influence, especially when it comes to business,” he added./PN
