United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) candidate former Senate President Ernesto Maceda expressed his observation that Iloilo City will shine more in the tourism industry if businessman Rommel Ynion will be elected as the new mayor.

 “If one city is beyond other successful cities, there is something wrong. A change of leadership is needed,” he said during his visit yesterday – the second day of Dinagyang Festival highlight of festivities.

Maceda said he knows Ynion is a very successful businessman, adding that that experience will help the city reach its target of luring more investors, creating more jobs and attracting more visitors, not only during Dinagyang.

On his part, former Senator Richard “Dick” Gordon said he was surprised with the performance of all the competing tribes.

“Ilonggos are great dancers and very creative. Dinagyang should be promoted in other places abroad to see how wonderful it is,” he said.

Former tourism secretary Gordon, who pioneered the WOW Philippines highlighting LGU festivals, suggested that it is nice if Visayan festivals like Dinagyang, Sinulog of Cebu City, Ati-Atihan of Kalibo and Masskara of Bacolod City, among others will be held in chosen host city to make prospective tourists witness the uniqueness of the festivity.

“Tourism means business and job generation. Festival is an opportunity to bring one’s product or tourist destination to other areas,” he said.

Gordon said this promotional concept is possible if all sectors involved will work together.

Also yesterday, former congresswoman Mitos Magsaysay has personally come to Iloilo City to witness the Dinagyang Festival for the first time.

Magsaysay congratulated the Ilonggos for the successful event.

The three UNA candidates who are running for senators were accompanied by local candidates former Congressman Raul Gonzales Jr. and City Councilors Jeffrey Ganzon and Dave Jamora.

UNA is under Vice President Jejomar Binay's party.*