ILOILO CITY -- The 2018 Paraw Regatta Festival, dubbed the “Oldest Sailing Event in Asia,” is expected to be better and bigger with Guimaras being part of this year’s event.
Kicking off the festival in Guimaras on Monday was the opening of the Exhibit of Miniature Paraw and Furniture Display at the Jordan Wharf.
The Paraw Regatta Foundation Inc. (PRFI) and the provincial government of Guimaras opened the exhibit.
PRFI president Ronald Raymond Sebastian stressed that this year’s festival is expected to be better and bigger with Guimaras being part of this year’s festival.
The Guimaras activities of the festival will be until February 10.
“The festival is very essential among Ilonggos,” he said.
Themed “Unity Amidst the Waves of Change”, Sebastian said the festival will further preserve the “tradition and culture of Ilonggos in sailing and seafaring.”
This year, the foundation has allotted PHP2.8 million for the festival, higher by PHP1.2 million compared to last year’s budget.
Meanwhile, Gumarin said that they are expecting increase in the tourist arrivals in their province with the hosting of some activities of the festival.
Aside from the exhibit of miniature Paraw and furniture display, Guimaras is hosting the Sinamba sa Regatta beach dance competition and Bangkera Pamunit sa Paraw , all scheduled on February 9; and Jetski Amazing Race, Miniature Paraw Race and the Lighted Paraw on February 10.
To secure the safety of the public who will flock in the different activities of the festival, the Philippine Coast Guard Iloilo (PCG-Iloilo) has assured that they are prepared.
PCG-Iloilo Lieutenant Commander Rodolfo Dela Peña said that they will deploy five aluminum boats as “floating assets” to respond to any untoward incidents that may happen during the events.
As to the number of personnel, Dela Peña said that they are still finalizing the number.
The Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) will also augment the forces, Dela Peña added. (PNA)
Photo by Cindy Ferrer
