President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday expressed his greetings to the people of lloilo and took the opportunity to remind devotees of Señor Sto. Niño celebrating the Dinagyang Festival to lead in preserving, protecting, and promoting Filipino identity.

“Let the Dinagyang Festival serve as a reminder of our collective responsibility to preserve, protect, and promote our identity in these changing times,” Marcos said in his message.

Through such collective effort, fellow Filipinos can ensure the continuity of the distinct way of life in the country, he said.

“It is through this collective effort that we ensure the continuity of the distinct way of life that bind us as one nation moving ever forward towards a brighter future,” the President said.

The chief executive also referred to the celebration as an event that “showcases the vibrancy of lloilo and the profound sense of unity and pride that defines its proud and resilient people.”

“The Dinagyang Festival is a reflection of the rich and colorful mosaic that make up all our indigenous groups, including the brave and enduring Ati people whom we also honor today,” Marcos said.

The Dinagyang Festival is one of the annually anticipated celebrations in the Philippines in honor of Santo Niño, the Holy Child. It is celebrated every fourth Sunday of January in Iloilo City. PND