Iloilo city 74th charter day Grand parade marks event

ILOILO CITY, Philippines  – A grand civic parade, which is expected to be participated by at least 12,000 people from the Iloilo City Hall, national government agencies (NGAs), schools, non-government organizations (NGOs), barangays and festival contingents will highlight this city’s 74th Charter Day celebration this August 25, 2011.

“The celebration is part of our identity and pride as Ilonggos, thus, we are enjoining every one to celebrate our Charter Day,” said Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog who institutionalized the Charter Day celebration when he became mayor last year.

Iloilo, as a chartered city, was formally inaugurated on August 25, 1937 after the surrounding towns of La Paz, Mandurriao, Molo and Arevalo were merged with the progressive town of Iloilo on July 16, 1937, by virtue of Commonwealth Act No.158.

Mabilog, Rep. Jerry Treñas and city councilors will lead the parade from La Paz district plaza starting 7 a.m.

Road closures will start from 6 a.m. to 12 noon today, from La Paz Plaza fronting La Paz Maternity Center, Burgos St. to Huervana St. when facing towards Gaisano City to Bonifacio Drive passing Forbes Bridge up to the Iloilo Capitol, to F. Caram Avenue to Iznart St. facing Plazoleta Gay to JM Basa St. and Freedom Grandstand.

Participants from NGAs will assemble at Mabini St., La Paz; NGOs and school delegates at Treñas Boulevard (beside Gaisano City); and barangay groups and festival performers at the Promenade near Drilon Bridge.

Adding color to the parade are various drum and bugle corps from city public and private schools, and performances of festival groups representing Dinagyang and Paraw Regatta during the program at Freedom Grandstand. (FREEMAN)