By Mariela Angella Oladive
Guimaras province is preparing to welcome an estimated 50,000 visitors this Holy Week, with measures in place to ensure a safe, organized and spiritually meaningful experience for tourists.
“We are ready. All systems are in place from the Parola Wharf to destinations,” said Provincial Economic and Development Officer Francis Gentoral in an interview on Wednesday, April 16.
“We have assigned monitoring teams that will check our destinations starting Thursday,” he added.
Gentoral urged visitors to choose Department of Tourism-accredited establishments for easier tracking and better handling of concerns.
He warned against booking with unregistered operators, especially those advertising on social media, as they are harder to trace in case of issues.
Tourism information centers have been activated at Parola Wharf in Iloilo City and the Guimaras Provincial Capitol to assist tourists and gather feedback.
As of April, Guimaras has 61 DOT-accredited resorts and accommodations, nine restaurants, one transport provider, 12 certified tour guides and five travel and tour companies.
Religious Observances Draw Thousands of Pilgrims
Guimaras remains a top Holy Week destination for its scenic landscapes and deep-rooted religious traditions.
Thousands of pilgrims are expected to join the Pagtaltal sa Balaan Bukid in Barangay Balcon Melliza, Jordan, on Good Friday, April 18.
The Passion of Christ reenactment follows a 1.7-kilometer trail marked by the 14 Stations of the Cross.
Other major observances include the Pamalandong sa Tamborong in San Lorenzo and the Worship Festival in Buenavista, which begins on Palm Sunday and ends with a celebration on Black Saturday.
Another highlight is the Via Crucis at Fatima Farm in San Lorenzo, a serene pilgrimage site featuring a revered image of Our Lady of Fatima.
To ensure smooth operations, ferry operators, local government units, the Bureau of Fire Protection, disaster response teams and the Philippine National Police have been placed on heightened alert.
Health facilities are also on standby to address any emergencies throughout the observance.
