By Mariela Angella Oladive
The 52nd Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Regatta Festival is set to launch on February 23 with a month-long series of events culminating in March.
With the theme “Sailing Blue Waters on this Green Earth,” this year’s festival will honor the region’s maritime heritage while promoting environmental sustainability.
During a press conference on February 6, festival chairman John Lex Bayombong announced that preparations are 70% complete.
He assured the public that the organizing committee is working closely with stakeholders, including the Philippine Coast Guard, to ensure a safe and successful event.
The Paraw Main Race, the festival’s highlight, will begin at the shoreline of Arevalo district and cover a 30-kilometer route to Guimaras and back to Arevalo.
Other exciting events include Pinta Layag, Pinta sa Regatta, Aquathlon Paraw, Sinamba sa Regatta, and the Paraw Lechon Contest.
Bayombong revealed that 10 to 12 lechon entries will compete in the contest, with the dishes offered free to the public after judging.
The Sinamba sa Regatta has already confirmed six participating groups, with one more group pending confirmation to bring the total to seven.
This year introduces the Juniors Slalom Competition, open to participants aged 12 to 16.
Dr. Roberto Samosa, chairman of the Paraw Sailing Event, emphasized that all junior participants must secure parental consent and a medical certificate to compete.
He noted that if the number of participants falls below the required minimum of five, the competition may be converted into a demo presentation.
The total number of participants for the major sailing event has yet to be finalized.
Dr. Samosa highlighted efforts to sustain the Paraw tradition, including outreach to local government units (LGUs) and coastal communities to encourage participation.
“We have sent a letter to the office of the governor and reached out to LGUs, especially in coastal areas, to engage them in the festival,” he said.
He added that the Iloilo Festival Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) approved the purchase of three paraws dedicated to tourism.
“These paraw boats will be stationed along the strait, allowing people to ‘eat and sail’ while experiencing the festival. This initiative ensures that the spirit of the paraw lives on,” he explained.
