No ‘lavish expenses’ for Charter Day bash – mayor

ILOILO CITY Mayor Jose Espinosa III (second from right) with members of the Iloilo City Council during the 81st Charter Day celebration on August 25, 2018. (Photo from City Councilor DyLee Zulueta’s Facebook page)

ILOILO City Mayor Jose Espinosa III denied claims of extravagant spending for the recently concluded 81st Charter Day Celebration.

“Hindi man lavish ang celebration sang aton charter day kung makita niyo man. Wala gid sang gin gastos nga dako kay basically masig-gasto man sa kada-departments and participating groups,” said Espinosa.

According to the mayor, the budget for this year’s celebration is around P2 million.

“It was more of a walking and dancing parade so wala float kay indi ta gusto sang float, kamahal gid,” he added.

Espinosa cited that the cooperation and support of the different departments, stakeholders, and the city employees made the celebration successful.

“Successful ang aton celebration and tanan nag-enjoy. Never gid kita ga-impose. Sila gid na ang nag-prepare sang costume and props. Kung gina-tagaan mo sila initiative, sila mismo gaubra man,” he said.

The month-long celebration themed, “Pag-ulikid kag Pagtib-ong: Fostering Local Communities by Strengthening Global Connections” saw a series of activities such as Senior Citizen’s Day, Lin-ay sag Ciudad sang Iloilo, Miss LGBT Ambassadress Queen of Iloilo City, dragon boat race, and other sports activities.

Meanwhile, Sen. Cynthia Villar and city officials from Tacurong, Taguig, San Juan, and General Santos graced the Iloilo Charter Day Ball last August 26, 2018 in honor of the sister cities.

SOURCE: The Daily Guardian

Special thanks to: