Dinagyang festivities to welcome foreign dignitaries

By Joseph B.A. Marzan

Tourists and residents who will revel in the Dinagyang festivities may expect tightened security in the city while celebrating the 55^th edition of the festival due to the presence of foreign ambassadors.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said during his regular press conference on Tuesday that the following ambassadors are expected to attend:

• Her Excellency Xiomara Perez Rodriguez (Ambassador of the Republic of Panama);
• His Excellency Agus Widjojo (Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia);
• E. Borhan Uddin (Ambassador of Bangladesh);
• E. Tull Traisorat (Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand);
• E. Folakemi Ibidunni Akinleye (Ambassador of Nigeria); and
• E. Christian Halaas Lyster (Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway).

Ambassadors Shobini Gunasekera (Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka) and Dr. Titanilla Tóth (Hungary) are also slated to send their representatives to the festival.

Last year, it was announced that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio will grace the festival.

Treñas reiterated that First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos, who has Ilonggo roots and currently teaches Criminal Law I at West Visayas State University, and members of the first family will be in attendance.

Other government officials expected to attend include Department of Tourism Secretary Esperanza Christina Frasco, Civil Service Commission Chairperson Karlo Alexei Nograles and his wife, Tourism Promotions Board Chief Executive Officer Maria Margarita Nograles, among others.

Treñas added that more announcements on public figures attending the festival will be made in the coming days.

The 55^th Dingayang Festival will be held on January 20 to 22 across venues in City Proper and other districts, lined with official and unofficial events, the first to be held since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020.