Persona Non Grata! Iloilo City Mayor vs Bacolod Vice Mayor
PERSONA NON GRATA – Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas expressed his disappointment with Bacolod City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran due to a perceived lack of coordination regarding the arrival of 80 Badjaos from Bacolod at the Dumangas port in Iloilo on June 23.
The Badjaos were en route to Mindanao and were only passing through Iloilo. Mayor Trenas criticized Vice Mayor Familiaran for not observing proper measures and coordination, which he believes is a sign of disrespect to other Local Government Units (LGUs).
Mayor Trenas, as the Chief Executive of Iloilo City, strongly disapproved of this behavior and announced that he would declare Vice Mayor Familiaran persona non grata, effectively banning him from the city. An Executive Order will be issued to formalize this declaration.
Meanwhile, the Badjaos, also known as the Bajau people, are an ethnic group in the Philippines and several other Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. They are often referred to as “Sea Gypsies” due to their traditional seafaring lifestyle. The Badjaos are known for their skills in fishing, boat building, and free diving.
They have a distinct cultural identity and are recognized for their unique stilt houses built on water, known as “houses on stilts.” Traditionally, they have lived in coastal areas and relied heavily on the sea for their livelihoods. However, in recent times, many Badjaos have moved to urban areas and face challenges in preserving their cultural practices and way of life.
Here’s the official statement of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas:
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