Government offices and schools across Iloilo City suspended work and classes on August 25, 2026, after Malacañang declared a special non-working day for the municipality’s 89th Charter Day celebration, according to the City Mayor’s Office. Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto signed Proclamation No. 1388, Series of 2026, on August 11 to give residents the opportunity to participate in the anniversary events.
Proclamation No. 1388 Suspends Local Work and Classes
The presidential directive applied to all government agencies and offices within the Iloilo City Government, alongside the suspension of classes at all levels. According to the proclamation, the order aimed to ensure that local residents could fully engage in the historical milestone. Daily Guardian reported that the designation stems from President Ferdinand R. Marcos’ declaration marking the 89th anniversary. This year’s official schedule centers around the theme “Celebrating 89 Years of Progress Toward a Better Iloilo City for All,” which organizers noted is designed to highlight local culture, community involvement, and inclusive growth under Mayor Raisa Treñas’ administration.
Monthlong Community Activities and Mayor’s Night Honors
The city government organized a monthlong lineup of sports, cultural, economic, and public service events to bring administration programs directly to neighborhoods. Major highlights included the recognition of the Top 10 Outstanding Ilonggos, who were honored for their commitment to public service and community impact during the Mayor’s Night on August 25. Social service initiatives featured a medical and dental mission for senior citizens and persons with disabilities across Jaro, La Paz, Molo, Arevalo, and Mandurriao from August 24 to 28. Additional public events included the GAD & GLOW: Iloilo City Employees Wellness and Pampering Day at the Iloilo City Hall Penthouse Auditorium on August 27, alongside earlier mobile registration drives, pet vaccination programs, and family planning events.
Cultural Festivals and Sporting Competitions
Cultural and athletic events ran throughout the month, featuring the launch of Saot Ilonggo at SM City Iloilo on July 31 and the subsequent competition at the West Visayas State University Cultural Center on August 21. Daily Guardian highlighted food and coffee festivals running alongside a night market. Sports enthusiasts participated in various discipline tournaments across the city, covering karate, volleyball, gymnastics, taekwondo, marathon, pencak silat, arnis, swimming, boxing, and darts. The athletic calendar concluded with the 4th Haboyanay sa Ciudad de Iloilo Charter Day National Darts Tournament at the TOMA Compound from August 22 to 24, while the Calle Real Charter Day Night Market is scheduled to cap off the festivities from August 28 to 30.
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