Political Speeches Not Allowed in Dinagyang Festival
NO POLITICAL talks or speeches will be allowed during the Dinagyang Festival, specifically during the festival highlights on January 25, 2009.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas stressed this rule after being informed that several political personalities will be coming to witness world-class Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City.
The mayor said the festival is cultural and religious and there is no reason for political speeches. Politicians are invited to come and see but are not given any speaking assignments.
The annual festival is always apolitical and Treñas said the welcome address will be the only speech he will give during the festival period.
Guests who have confirmed attendance as of January 14 include China Consul General He Shijing with 2 companions; H.E Alistair Macdonald of the European Union with 7 companions; Ms. Maryse Gautier of World Bank with 2 companions; National Treasurer Roberto Tan; businessman Stan Padojinog with 3 companions; Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Austere Panadero; Mark Woodward of World Bank; Chris Pablo of World Bank with 2 companions; Mukami Kariuki of World Bank with 2 companions; Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Esperanza Cabral; Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando; Marikina City Mayor Marides Fernando; and Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Secretary Silvestre Bello.
Senators Migz Zubiri, Bong Revilla, and Jamby Madrigal, Mayor Carol Tayama of Agat, Guam, Makati Councilor Norman Garcia, San Pedro, Laguna Councilor Leslie Lu, Department of Tourism (DOT)-Southern Mindanao Regional Director Sonia Garcia, and DOT-Ilocos Regional Director Martin Valera are also coming.
Treñas said the city expects more than 200 invited guests to come for the Dinagyang Festival, more than 500 foreign tourists to see the festivities including balikbayans and foreign, and hundreds of media personalities, including artists and entertainers.
The three-day Dinagyang extravaganza slated on January 23-25 will see more than one million individuals coming to Iloilo to see and enjoy the festival.
source: sunstar.com.ph
