Iloilo Mayor Fetes 2023 Very Important Pinoy Tour Participants
ILOILO CITY, 19 July 2023 – Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas on Wednesday warmly welcomed nearly 300 participants of the 2023 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour to the Philippines from various locations across the United States.
The dinner hosted by the Mayor at the Iloilo Convention Center featured sumptuous Ilonggo and international dishes and a lively Dinagyang dance performed by 2023 Aliwan Fiesta street dance competition champion Tribu Parianon.
In his remarks, Mayor Treñas acknowledged the support of the private sector and Ilonggos in making the city truly world-class and sustainable. He thanked the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Tourism- Tourism Promotions Board for choosing Iloilo as the destination for the 15th iteration of the VIP Tour.
“I am deeply honored to stand before you and extend the warmest welcome of Iloilo City. The VIP Tour marks a moment of pride and joy as it gives us the opportunity to showcase the city and the warmth of Ilonggo hospitality,” he said. Mayor Treñas presented Consul General in San Francisco Neil Frank R. Ferrer with a plaque of appreciation for Ambassador Jose Manuel D.G. Romualdez as well as a symbolic “key to the city.”
The Mayor underscored that Ilonggos take pride in their rich cultural heritage and noted that several heritage sites, built during the Spanish and American eras are well preserved and can be visited by tourists, such as the Molo Mansion, Nelly Garden, Jaro Cathedral, and Molo Church, to name a few. Tourists also look forward to the celebration of the Dinagyang, which is a religious and cultural festival held every January in Iloilo City honoring the child Jesus and the rich cultural heritage of the city.
Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer thanked the Mayor for graciously hosting the dinner for the VIP Tour participants. He highlighted some of the experiences of the VIP tour participants in Iloilo, such as their immersion in the city and the province’s rich cultural and natural heritage, including visits to historical sites such as Oton, the UNESCO world heritage site Miagao church, and the Museum of Philippine Maritime History.
“We are delighted to witness Iloilo’s impressive development in recent years, with a harmonious blend of economic progress, cultural preservation, and sustainable practices,” Consul General Ferrer said. “The revitalization of the Iloilo river and the development of the Iloilo esplanade exemplify the city’s commitment to preserving its natural environment for the well-being of its people,” he added.
Iloilo City Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon and Iloilo City Council members were also present at the event. Joining them were Consul General Ferrer’s spouse, Mrs. Miriam Ferrer, Consul General Emil Fernandez from Honolulu, Consul General Senen Mangalile from New York, Senior Special Assistant Alex Lamadrid from the Office of the Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations, Deputy Consul General Maria Alnee Arugay-Gamble from Los Angeles, Consul Vanessa Bago-Llona, Tourism Attache Soleil Tropicales, Principal Assistant Reanne Apostol, and Rajah Tours founder Atty. Alejandra Clemente and Rajah Tours President Jojo Clemente.
The VIP participants were treated to a delectable buffet feast at the Iloilo Convention Center, featuring a wide array of Ilonggo and heritage dishes. The menu included lengua in white mushroom sauce, freska nga lumpia ubod (fresh spring rolls of heart of coconut), chicken galantina, embotido Ilonggo (rolled meatloaf), mango crepe, among others. END
