Iloilo City’s 87th Charter Day celebrates ‘excellence’

By Rjay Zuriag Castor and Mariela Angella Oladive

Mayor Jerry Treñas announced that Iloilo City’s upcoming 87th Charter Day celebration will be the “biggest and grandest” yet.

Treñas emphasized that this year’s festivities will recognize a wide array of outstanding individuals and departments across the Ilonggo community.

“This celebration is one of the biggest we’ve ever had. We started by awarding outstanding employees, and we will also recognize the police, teachers, and other exemplary Ilonggos,” Treñas stated.

On Monday, 38 city government employees and three departments were honored for their remarkable dedication and commitment to public service.

The Search for the Most Outstanding City Government Employees and Outstanding Departments was led by the city government’s Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Committee.

According to the PRAISE Committee, this year’s search aims to celebrate the efforts of outstanding employees and departments whose work positively impacts the community, from ensuring the smooth functioning of public institutions to enhancing the well-being of the people they serve.

Each awardee received a Certification of Recognition and a cash prize.

Treñas also noted that the city will honor outstanding police officers and teachers, along with recognizing exceptional Ilonggos and those who will receive lifetime achievement awards.

The awarding ceremony for police officers and teachers is scheduled for August 22, while the recognition of the Ten Outstanding Ilonggos of Iloilo City, Diamond Awardees, and Lifetime Achievement Awardees on August 23.

“Hopefully, everyone will understand that we are trying to get the best of the best Ilonggos to receive these awards,” Treñas added.

However, the mayor announced that there will be no parade for the celebration due to the long weekend, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. moved Ninoy Aquino Day from August 21 to August 23, creating a four-day weekend with National Heroes’ Day on August 26.

Additionally, Treñas is scheduled to deliver his State of the City Address on August 30, where he will reflect on the city’s achievements and outline future plans.

Among the achievements expected to be highlighted are the redevelopment of city-run public markets and plazas, showcasing the city’s commitment to continuous improvement.

Iloilo City was officially inaugurated as a chartered city on August 25, 1937, under the leadership of then Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon.