ILOILO City will just hold a modest 82nd Charter Day celebration, which climaxes on August 25.

“Our Charter Day this year will be scaled down. We can’t be celebrating while many are sick with dengue. What we can do is to help. I hope you understand. We will review the list of events lined up,” Mayor Jerry Treñas said.

As of July 10, the City Health Office recorded 619 dengue cases with six deaths.

On August 25, 1937, Iloilo was formally inaugurated as chartered city after the municipalities of La Paz, Mandurriao, Molo and Arevalo were merged on July 16, 1937 by virtue of Commonwealth Act 158.

The celebration usually highlighted big parade, street dancing, cultural presentation, sports events, and recognition rites. (PR)