Aside from an Iloilo City Hall initiated parade and a celebrated ‘no classes’ day, what is Iloilo Charter Day to be exact? To start with, a ‘Charter’ defined, “is the grant of authority or rights, stating that the granter formally recognizes the prerogative of the recipient to exercise the rights specified.” To continue on with the definition, “It is implicit that the granter retains superiority or sovereignty, and that the recipient admits a limited (or inferior) status within the relationship, and it is within that sense that charters were historically granted, and that sense is retained in modern usage of the term.”
Iloilo Charter Day History
And decades years ago, on exactly 25th of August 1937, was the inauguration of Iloilo City. The ‘Iloilo Charter Day’ came to be when Iloilo received its charter during the American Commonwealth Government in the Philippines. The momentous event was celebrated with a parade that commenced from the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, now Casa Real, to the newly constructed Iloilo City Hall of that time. The route was from Bonifacio Drive through Iznart St and JM Basa St., to Plaza Libertad, through Rizal St, Mabini St., and finally ending in front of the then Iloilo City Hall.
Four divisions graced the parade with the first division having lead flags, American and Filipino colors, followed by the Grand Marshall, band, military, police, veterans, and the media. The activities in the 1937 inauguration include ‘diana de las bandas de musica’ – showcase of musical bands, ‘salvas de morteretes’ – salvo of cannons, games and sports at the city hall, serenades, ‘fuego artificiales’ – fireworks and, of course, a helping of lechon at the event. The Provincial Governor that graced the event during the time was Timoteo Consing – together with other commendable officials including then-Mayor Ramon J. Campos. A feast was also held in honor of Vice President Sergio Osmeña and Secretary of Interiors Elpidio Quirino.
Iloilo Charter Day 2022
A media launching of Iloilo Business Week was held last July, attended by Ms. Velma Lao, LEDIP Officer, and Engr. Fulbert Woo, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., Iloilo Chapter. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. Iloilo Chapter (PCCI-Iloilo) is hosting the first ever Iloilo Business Week on August 21 to 31 as part of the 85th Iloilo Charter Day celebration. The Iloilo Business Week 2022 will be highlighted with various events and activities aimed at creating awareness for regional business opportunities. It also targets to provide a venue for continuing education and network building, as well as honor the Ilonggo business community.
“Iloilo City is now booming and we want to maintain that momentum by bringing in possible investments here. With Iloilo Business Week, we are presenting various business opportunities in this part of the region and help our local economy recover from the effects of the pandemic,” PCCI-Iloilo President Fulbert Woo noted.
“With participants coming from different parts of the region, we are looking forward to open more opportunities for collaborations with the business sector. The Iloilo Business Week is very timely and relevant as we promote economic recovery,” states PCCI-Iloilo Chairman Dr. Sandra Sarabia-Gomez.
Above: Press conference on ‘What’s Up, Western Visayas’ Business Conference with Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry – Iloilo Chapter, Inc. (PCCI – Iloilo) President Engr. Fulbert Woo and Secretary Luanne Lei held at Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo . More than 200 startup entrepreneurs, business owners, corporate executives, employees, and business students attend the said event which was underscored by series of talks from business experts and industry leaders covering topics related to business trends, digitalization, family business management, and economic opportunities, among others.
Top caliber speakers who graced the event include CBRE Country Head Mr. Jie Espinosa; Grab Country Head Grace Vera Cruz; European Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Visayas Business Council Chairman Joe Bantiling; Wong-Bernstein Group Executive Direct9r Prof. Enrique Soriano; Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) Director of ICT Development Bureau Emmy Lou Versoza Delfin. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas and former Senator Franklin Drilon were also present during the event as they shared the different economic activities happening in Iloilo City at present.
A panel discussion with provincial leaders was also held in the afternoon regarding regional business opportunities for the business community in Western Visayas. This is an opportunity to encourage more businesses and economic activity that will ensure economic recovery.
“This business conference is our way of keeping our Ilonggo businessmen updated of the economic status of Western Visayas and the various business opportunities that they can grab,” said PCCI-Iloilo President Engr. Fulbert Woo, “aside from learning business trends and gain new insights from our roster of business experts, this business conference also served as a good platform for our Ilonggo entrepreneurs, especially the startups to build network with our industry players across the region,” he added.
“What’s Up, Western Visayas” Business Conference is one of the activities organized by PCCI-Iloilo for Iloilo Business Weeek in celebration of the 85th Iloilo City Charter Day.
Since then the Iloilo Charter Day is celebrated every 25th of August, as a reminder to all Ilonggos of what Iloilo is today. It is indeed a day of celebration among the Ilonggos and an affirmation of dedication to our beloved dakbanwa. Happy Charter Day, Iloilo!
