Iloilo City to honor 7 outstanding Ilonggos

CEBU, Philippines - Seven outstanding Ilonggos will be conferred with honors by the Iloilo City government for their significant contributions for the development and continued progress in the metropolis.

The conferment of the city’s highest distinction on these outstanding Ilonggos will be done during the 75th Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Iloilo City Charter on August 25 (Saturday).

The awardees for this year are singer-composer Jose Mari Chan, Senator Franklin Drilon, business moguls Rogelio Florete, Edgar Sia II, Felicito Tiu and Jose Layson, and city Councilor Perla Zulueta.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said each of them will be given a Golden Salakot Award “Hubon ni Marikudo, Bugal sang Dakbanwa sang Iloilo” consisting of a medallion of honor, a trophy of distinction, and a citation plaque.

“This is the highest honor that we will grant in recognition for outstanding achievements defined by personal or institutional success and philanthropic involvement,” Mabilog said.

The medallion will be a specially-designed metallic ornament attached to a “hablon” cloth to be worn as necklace, while the trophy will be a replica of the City Hall bronze statue, “Lin-ay sang Iloilo” and the plaque will contain an inscription of the awardee’s achievements and contributions to the city.

They will also be installed in the “Hubon ni Marikudo” or the Order of Marikudo as an exclusive league of select entities or individuals who have given support to propel Iloilo towards attaining its vision of becoming a premier city. 

A resolution was already approved by the City Council on August 15 recognizing The Golden Salakot Award as the highest honor conferred by the city government for outstanding achievements by an individual or institution for the Charter Day celebration and confirming the awardees for the 75th Diamond Jubilee Year.

The legend of the Barter of Panay has great implications on the culture of the Ilonggos and the Golden Salakot was the valuable heritage tender of the barter. The “salakot” as a headdress was a crown of sort and a symbol that connotes authority, power, wisdom, strength, and pride.  - THE FREEMAN