Press Release
June 1, 2015

Drilon to Ilonggos: Showcase Iloilo's best in June 12 rites

Senate President Franklin M. Drilon today appealed to Ilonggo leaders from the public, private and civil society sectors to be one in working together towards Iloilo's successful hosting of the 2015 Independence Day rites, to showcase to the nation Iloilo's remarkable progress and achievements.

Drilon, a known champion of Iloilo's development efforts, made the call two weeks before Iloilo City plays host to the formal celebration rites of the 2016 Independence Day in June 12, including the 'vin d'honneur' dinner event, which will be attended by President Benigno Aquino III, top Cabinet officials and members of the diplomatic community.

"With all eyes on Iloilo in June 12, let us make use of that momentous event to show this nation the soaring aspirations of Ilonggos - that with our past, present and near future achievements, we are poised to reclaim Iloilo's rightful place as Queen City of the South," he said.

He said that Iloilo's hosting of the Independence day rites "is not just about a celebration of a key moment in our nation's history, but is also a national affirmation and acknowledgement of Iloilo's rise as a progressive and developing center in the Visayas."

"This event is meant to show the nation and the world that in Iloilo, we are united by a common goal, and that we Ilonggos are nurturing big dreams and are working hard to realize these dreams," Drilon underscored.

Drilon said Iloilo's citizens should unify as one and work and cooperate together to present Iloilo's story "of revival and redemption from a depressed locale with little development, to a bustling and investor-friendly economic hub that is not afraid to take on major development projects."

He noted that leading Ilonggos, especially those coming from the private and civic society sector, would "provide valuable contributions to the ongoing preparations being made by the local government leadership to showcase Iloilo's best when the President arrives and ceremonies begin in June 12."

The prestigious event is a rare occurrence, as formal Independence Day ceremonies like the vin d'honneur are traditionally held in the Malacanang Palace.

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