GMA to grace Dinagyang ’06

ILOILO CITY — Security will be extra tighter during the Dinagyang Festival this year as no less than President Arroyo will lead several high-ranking officials in gracing this city’s annual top tourist attraction.

The President is scheduled to fly here on Saturday and will even spend the night. Although she is not expected to watch the tribes contest on Sunday, she will be attending the Mass at the San Jose parish to be held before the competition. She will also inaugurate government projects and grace other social functions.

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA), however, stressed that Mrs. Arroyo’s visit is not yet confirmed. But the Dinagyang committee has already released a list of foreign dignitaries who have confirmed their attendance, including Israeli Ambassador Yeshua Sagi, his wife Hana Sagi, and attaché Ziv David; Swedish representative Fredrik Agerhem and Commercial Councilor Sara Aulin; Nigerian Consul Samson Igegboje, who will be accompanied by Mr. James Amangbu; United States Consul General Richard Haynes, and Matthew Taylor of the Anti-Fraud Division; Japanese Ambassador Ryuichiro Yamazaki; Nozaki Seiki of the Japan International Cooperation Agency; World Bank’s Ming Zhang and Chris Pablo; and Myanmar Ambassador U Thaung Tun and wife Sandar Lwin.

Over a thousand personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be deployed during the festivities. — Ronilo Ladrido Pamonag