VETERINARY MEDICAL MISSION. The city government, through the Veterinary Office, conducts a veterinary medical mission on Friday (August 23, 2019). The activity is in part of the month-long celebration of the 82nd Charter Day of Iloilo City. (PNA photo by Iloilo City Government)
ILOILO CITY -- The city government here decided to tone down the celebration of its 82nd Charter Day set on Sunday.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas explained the city government is still looking after dengue patients, and residents are likewise in a state of mourning following the August 3 sea mishap at the Iloilo Strait.
The latest data provided by the Iloilo City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (ICESU) showed that as of August 17, the city had 2,247 dengue cases with 14 deaths, marking an increase of 496 percent when compared to the same period last year.
The ICESU also recorded 106 barangays with clustering cases and one hotspot.
Treñas said it would also not be appropriate for the city to celebrate while some are still mourning the loss of their loved ones due to the maritime mishap.
“We will have some celebration but it will be toned down. I hope you understand. It is not because we do not want to celebrate the Charter Day; it is because we want to sympathize,” he said.
A grand job fair was held on August 21 where 33 applicants got hired on the spot. The job fair by the Public Employment Service Office was participated in by 24 local companies and nine international placement agencies.
On Friday, the city government, through the Veterinarian Office, conducted a veterinary medical mission where 87 pets were given anti-rabies shots; 24 pets were castrated; seven were spayed; and five availed of free checkup.
On August 25, the celebration will start with a Mass, to be followed by a program at the Iloilo City Freedom Grandstand.
In the afternoon, there will be a “Laro ng Lahi” at the Plaza Libertad and “Fuegos Artificiales” fireworks display in the evening.
The inauguration of Iloilo City was first set on July 16, 1937, but was postponed to August 25 that year, pending the appointment of a permanent mayor.
The conversion of Iloilo into a city was contained in Commonwealth Act 57 and was amended by Commonwealth Act 138.
This year’s celebration anchors on the theme “Responsible and Responsive Governance”. (PNA)
