Iloilo governor, first lady named fiesta sponsors

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and First Lady Michelle Defensor were formally installed as Hermano Mayor and Hermana Mayor for the upcoming Feast of Señor Sto. Niño during a solemn ceremony on Jan. 16, marking the start of the traditional novena.

The installation was held at San Jose Parish in Placer and was officiated by parish priest Fr. Nelson Zerda.

The first lady was represented during the ceremony by her mother-in-law, Mrs. Cosette Defensor.

The Defensor couple assumed the roles from former Iloilo City mayor Joe Espinosa III and Mrs. Gina Sarabia-Espinosa, continuing a long-standing Ilonggo tradition that links civic leadership with religious devotion.

The titles Hermano Mayor and Hermana Mayor—derived from Spanish terms meaning “older brother” and “older sister”—are accorded to lay leaders tasked with supporting and guiding religious celebrations, particularly feast-day activities honoring patron saints.

The installation comes as Iloilo prepares for two major religious and cultural events—Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan and the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival—scheduled on Jan. 24–25.

Both celebrations highlight Ilonggo faith, culture, and devotion in honor of Señor Sto. Niño.