“Arts is the soul of the City, and we cannot be Queen City of the South if we do not strengthen the soul of Iloilo City. And we can only strengthen the soul of Iloilo if we support the arts.”
With these words, Mayor Jerry Treñas formally opened the Iloilo Arts Festival 2022 in a ceremony held at SM City Iloilo on Wednesday, October 5.
Iloilo City’s first lady and festival director Rosalie Trenas, Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, and Mall Manager Darrel John Defensor joined the ribbon cutting ceremony. City Councilors Dr. Candice “Misis Lex” Tupas, Rex Sarabia, Attorney-at-Law, and Rudolph Jeffrey Ganzon; Ed Defensor and Seda Atria, Iloilo GM Joseph del Rosario also graced the event.
The festival opening coincided with the 133rd year celebration of “Adlaw sang Ciudad de Iloilo.”
On October 5, in the year 1889, Queen Regent Maria Cristina of Spain granted the title of “City” on the then-municipality of Iloilo. The City Council led by Vice Mayor Ganzon passed City Ordinance No. 2020-097 declaring the day as “Adlaw sang Ciudad de Iloilo” to commemorate this historic achievement.
Iloilo Arts Festival 2022 aims to bring art closer to the heart of the public and support local artists and their masterpieces through exhibits.
“I have always believed that supporting local talents is a great opportunity for cultures to connect and for communities to grow together. As we open Iloilo Arts Festival 2022, we celebrate our rich cultural heritage and authentic Ilonggo artistry,” Treñas said.
“Iloilo Arts Festival facilitated by my wife Rosalie does not only aim to showcase the different masterpieces of our local artists, but it also aims to encourage young aspiring artists to hone and develop their skills and delve into creative industries. We would want to see more Ilonggos make their passion their profession by giving them platforms and support for their creativity and artistry,” he added.
