ILOILO CITY CELEBRATES 89TH CHARTER DAY WITH PEOPLE-CENTERED ACTIVITIES

As Iloilo City marks its 89th Charter Day on Aug. 25, this year’s celebration goes beyond honoring nearly nine decades of history. It highlights a city that continues to evolve through people-centered programs that promote culture, community participation, public service, sports, and inclusive development.

Anchored on the theme “Celebrating 89 Years of Progress Toward a Better Iloilo City for All,” the month-long celebration reflects the city’s vision of ensuring that every Ilonggo shares in its continued progress.

Mayor Raisa S. Treñas said the activities were designed not only to commemorate the city’s milestone but also to bring government services and opportunities closer to the people.

“We have so many activities lined up — from sports and culture to social services and many more. We made sure that this celebration is truly for the Ilonggos. Our culminating activity will be the awarding of the Top 10 Outstanding Ilonggos on Aug. 25,” she said.

Throughout August, Ilonggos can take advantage of a wide range of government services, cultural showcases, sports competitions, and community activities prepared for the month-long celebration.

Among the public service highlights is the Mobile Registration Caravan of the City Civil Registrar Office (CCRO) on Aug. 10–11 at Plaza Libertad, where residents can avail themselves of free birth registration, legitimation, acknowledgment, supplemental reports, and correction of entries. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will also be on-site to provide National ID registration and PSA-issued civil registry documents.

The city will also bring employment opportunities closer to Ilonggos through a Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Job Fair at Robinsons Place Iloilo on Aug. 25.

Health and wellness activities include Pet Fashionista on the RISE! on Aug. 14 at Robinsons Place Jaro, featuring free pet consultations, deworming, anti-rabies vaccination, and a pet adoption drive; the BSPO and Family Planning Day on Aug. 20 at the La Paz Plaza Covered Gym; a Medical and Dental Mission for senior citizens and persons with disabilities in the districts of Jaro, La Paz, Molo, Arevalo, and Mandurriao from Aug. 24–28; and GAD & GLOW: Iloilo City Employees Wellness and Pampering Day on Aug. 27 at the Iloilo City Hall Penthouse Auditorium.

Culture and gastronomy will likewise take center stage through the Saot Ilonggo Competition on Aug. 21 at the West Visayas State University Cultural Center; the GIG: RISE UP, also at the WVSU Cultural Center, on Aug. 15; Voices that Matter: The Art of Public Speaking at the SM City Iloilo Activity Center on Aug. 22; the Calle Real Charter Day Night Market from Aug. 28–30 along Calle Real; and “Lutong Ilonggo” free cooking classes every Saturday throughout August at the Technical Institute of Iloilo City (TIIC), where participants can learn to prepare traditional Ilonggo dishes such as KBL and laswa.

To support local entrepreneurs, the city will also hold Merkado Lokal at the back of Iloilo City Hall on Aug. 12–13 and Aug. 26–27, while Pangape Ta sa Merkado will run at the Iloilo Central Public Market from Aug. 22–28.

Sports enthusiasts can look forward to a packed lineup of competitions throughout the month, including the Karatedo Championships at Robinsons Place Jaro on Aug. 8; the 17-Under Volleyball League at YMCA on Aug. 8, 9, 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22; the Rise & Flip: ICSA Charter Day Gymnastics In-house Competition at the SM City Iloilo Terminal Public Market on Aug. 15; and the Taekwondo Tournament at the same venue on Aug. 16.

On Aug. 15–16, sports fans can also catch the RMN & Councilor Malabor Fishing Tournament at the Iloilo River, the Mayor’s Football Festival at the NHHA Block 22 Football Field in Mandurriao and the La Paz Football Field, the Charter Day Iloilo City Marathon at Festival Walk Parade, and the Stand-Up Paddleboard Race 2026 at Iloilo River Esplanade 3.

Other highlights include the five-day 10-Ball Billiard Tournament at Strawhat Restobar – Atria from Aug. 19–23; the Auto Moto Show and Dealers Assembly at Iloilo Business Park on Aug. 21–22; and the Pickleball Championship at Gran Plains Pickleball Center on Aug. 21–23.

From Aug. 22 onward, the city will host the Concrete Session Charter Day Skateboarding Competition at the Iloilo Public Skate Park; the 3rd Iloilo Ultimate Collegiate Championships at the CPU Football Field; Sambuwa 2026: The 1st PEKAF Iloilo City Open Invitation Sports Arnis Tournament at the SM City Iloilo Terminal Public Market; the 4th Iloilo Swimming Competition at the Iloilo Sports Complex; the PCCI Premier Pickleball Cup at Picklepoint Atria; and the Iloilo City Paddling Festival at the Freedom Grandstand, all on Aug. 22–23. Also scheduled is the 4th Haboyanay sa Ciudad de Iloilo Charter Day National Darts Tournament at the TOMA Compound from Aug. 22–24.

The month concludes with the 2nd Iloilo Charter Day Pencak Silat Inter-Schools Championship at the SM City Iloilo Terminal Public Market and the Table Tennis Tournament at Gaisano Capital – La Paz on Aug. 29–30, followed by the Boxing Tournament at Robinsons Place Jaro on Aug. 30.

The month-long Charter Day celebration will culminate with the Mayor’s Night on Aug. 25, highlighted by the recognition of the Top 10 Outstanding Ilonggos for their exceptional contributions to public service, community development, and Iloilo City’s continued progress.

Mayor Raisa S. Treñas encouraged Ilonggos to take part in the month-long festivities, saying the celebration is an opportunity not only to honor the city’s achievements but also to strengthen the shared commitment to building a better Iloilo City for All.

The complete schedule of activities is available on the official Facebook pages of the Iloilo City Government and Mayor Raisa Treñas. (Press Release)