ILOILO CITY — Iloilo City is expecting President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to grace the golden celebration of its Dinagyang Festival this coming January.
Mayor Jose Espinosa III on Monday said the appointment office in Malacañang called on Friday instructing him to “reiterate the verbal invitation” earlier coursed through Presidential Assistant for Visayas Michael Dino.
“In the 50 years of Dinagyang, no president has ever attended the Dinagyang. We really look forward to the President joining us,” the mayor said.
“Officially we are preparing the letter and we will send it immediately to the appointment office of the President. We are thankful to Secretary Dino who relayed to the President that we are inviting him to the 50th Dinagyang Festival,” Espinosa said.
The fact that Duterte’s office has called, “meaning there is a possibility he will come,” Espinos said.
If that happens, it will be the first time that a sitting president will join Dinagyang, he said.
On Monday, Espinosa also welcomed in his office 13 candidates who will vie for the Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2018 title. The candidates were earlier presented before employees of the city hall during Monday’s flag-raising ceremony.
The beauty pageant forms part of the highlights of the annual festival.
The candidates are Jessamyne M. Javier, Czynni Ynais Rean D. Miranda, Mary Rose A. Alayon, Demi Patria R. Jainga, Kristine Cassadra Cambronero, Brazzirie C. Yanson, Ruffa Nava, Dana Mae F. Diana, Cherry Joy V. Sulit, Shenna S. Alcantara, Patricia Mae A. Delos Reyes, Ma. Yvonne T. Galo and Ma. Liza T. Lizada.
The Dinagyang Festival is held in honor of Señor Santo Niño. Its highlights will be on January 26-28, 2018. (PNA)
