Iloilo City charms Aussie envoy
Iloilo City caught the eyes of Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorely who paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog at City Hall July 28.
She noted of the city's booming landscape and likened Iloilo to charming cities in Australia.
Gorely shared that "the way towards sustainable progress should be keeping a small city with big services."
"Seeing this unique and historical part of the Philippines. What a spectacular and amazingly warm traditional welcome we had in Iloilo City. Those (Dinagyang) headdresses are heavy!," Gorely posted on Twitter.
"Great Australian, Philippines, and American links in Iloilo museum.1800s sugar, textile trade and WWII radio used to contact Gen. Mac Arthur in Darwin. Iloilo's historical buildings have been beautifully preserved – with some more recent additions!," she added.
Mabilog told the Australian envoy that the city should sustain being livable amidst the rapid development.
He explained that heritage sites are protected, environmental measures are in placed, urban planning is being updated, and that traffic plans, peace and order and social programs ensure inclusive growth for the people. (Iloilo City PIO)