Iloilo City Vice Mayor Lady Julie Grace Baronda raised concerns over her seating placement and the withdrawal of invitations during key activities of the 2026 Dinagyang Festival, saying the situation made her feel sidelined as a city official.

Baronda said she was seated far from Mayor Raisa Treñas during the Dinagyang Tribes Competition on January 25 at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, contrary to past practice where the vice mayor sits beside the mayor during major festival events.

The vice mayor noted that prior to the event, the mayor had informed her that a reserved seat had been prepared.

Despite the situation, Baronda said she chose not to make an issue during the festival, stressing that Dinagyang should not be overshadowed by politics.

“But dapat mangibabaw gid ang purpose sang Dinagyang because ginaselebrar ini para mag-unite ang mga Ilonggo kag indi paghatagan sang political color,” she said.

The vice mayor also confirmed that she did not attend the Mayor’s Welcome Dinner after her invitation was withdrawn twice.

According to Baronda, she initially received an invitation from Mayor Treñas but later learned that it had been revoked, prompting her to decline attendance.

She said her decision not to attend was out of respect for the organizers, noting that formal invitations were sent to individual city councilors while hers was repeatedly canceled.

Meanwhile, Baronda said she still participated in other Dinagyang activities, including Ilomination, despite receiving a late invitation.

She explained that attending such events has been her personal tradition even before she assumed public office.

Baronda emphasized that Dinagyang is meant to promote unity among Ilonggos and reflect shared identity and strength.

She added that while public officials are not required to maintain close personal ties, basic courtesy and respect should be observed during official events.

The vice mayor’s remarks came after she was seen seated on the sidelines and not included in certain official segments, including award-related activities, during some Dinagyang events.IMT