ILOILO CITY -- This city is hosting the 2023 Philippines-Australia Friendship Day on May 22.
But why was Iloilo City chosen to host the commemoration? Here’s why.
“We know that Iloilo City values cultural heritage and is one of the most liveable cities in the Philippines,” said Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu.
“We have taken our annual festival to ‘the Heart of the Philippines’ not only to celebrate Australia's deep historical ties with Panay and the whole of Western Visayas, but also to share Australia’s common advocacies on sustainability and livability,” the Australian Ambassador added.
“We are grateful to Mayor Jerry Treñas and the people of Iloilo,” added You in a statement released by the Australian Embassy.
The celebration will start on May 19. There will be a forum dubbed as ‘Creating Livable and Resilient Cities,’ which will highlight the best practices in urban development and sustainability in Australia and the Philippines.
The speakers will be Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner Christopher Lim and Architect Paulo Alcazaren.
There will also be exhibitions and a heritage fun run.