The Iloilo City Hymn is the official hymn of the metro, enacted with the goal of inculcating sense of self-esteem and pride for its residents. Dubbed as “Himno Sang Dakbanwa Sang Iloilo,” the local hymn was composed and sung by Professor Arne Lubasan in 2010.
The hymn is being played and sung in all public schools and government offices. Here’s the official lyrics:
The Iloilo City Hymn
Or in Hiligaynon, “Himno Sang Dakbanwa Sang Iloilo”
I.
Puluy-an ka sang mga dungganon
Guindihon sa imong gugmang bilidhon
Namat-an sang mga baganihan
Nakigbato para sa kahilwayan
II.
Dunang manggad sa amon guin-aman
Manggaran sa kulturang kinaadman
May maragtas nga madinu-agon
Bulawanon ang mga palanubli-on
KORO:
Iloilo, Iloilo
Dakbanwa kong nahamut-an
Iloilo, Iloilo
Bugal magpadulong diin man
Tampad nga magpabilin sa imo
Tungod palangga ko
Dakbanwang Iloilo, bugal ko!
III.
Himpit nga gugma sa imo halad
Sakdagon ang imong katuyuan
Itib-ong and kauswagan
Padayun nga ma-angkon ang katin-aran
(Balik sa Koro)
History of Iloilo City Hymn
Prof. Arne Lubasan, faculty member of the Conservatory of Music and the Director of the Choir and Troubadours of University of San Agustin (USA), composed the lyrics and music of Dakbanwang Iloilo, Bugal Ko and submitted it as an entry in a Hymn Writing Contest sponsored by the Iloilo City Government as part of 73rd Charter Day celebration.
Lubasan’s entry which speaks of pride, honor, love and loyalty for the City bested four other finalists and won the top prize in a ceremony on August 20, 2010 at SM City Iloilo. Lubasan received a cash prize and a trophy.
The hymn was performed for the first time to officials and employees of the city government on September 13, 2010 during the flag raising ceremony.
In March 23, 2011, the Iloilo City Council enacted Regulation Ordinance No. 2011-274 which adopts the Lubasan’s winning piece as the Official Hymn of Iloilo City.
The Ordinance states that the Iloilo City Hymn aims to provide a unique sense of identity for the city, distinct from other local government units. It also hopes to give a sense of belongingness and pride to the residents of the city; and to incorporate the goals and dreams of the City Government of Iloilo to uplift its social, moral, physical, spiritual and cultural aspects of its inhabitants.
