ILOILO City – A total of 42 sailboats participated in the 2025 Paraw Regatta slalom race on February 27 in the waters of Barangay Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo district, a key event in the 52nd Paraw Regatta Festival.
The Paraw Regatta is the country’s oldest and largest sailing event, celebrating Western Visayas’ rich maritime heritage.
A paraw is a traditional double-outrigger sailboat that has been used by fishermen and traders in the Visayas and Mindanao regions for centuries.
Known for its distinct, colorful sails and graceful movement on the water, the paraw is deeply tied to the culture and history of the region.
Dr. Roberto Somosa, chairperson of the sailing events, reported that 17 boats competed in Category A, 16 in Category B, and 9 in Category C, showing a slight increase of two boats compared to previous editions.
The slalom race was organized into three categories based on boat sizes:
* Category A for 25-foot boats
* Category B for 30-foot boats
* Category C for 40-foot boats
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Iloilo City provided safety support throughout the event.
In an effort to preserve the traditional sport of paraw sailing, a new Juniors Slalom Race was introduced, targeting boys aged 12 to 16.
Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) executive director Joyce Ann Clavecillas and Dr. Somosa said the new category aims to engage the younger generation and sustain the cultural heritage of paraw’sailing.
“We’ve seen a decline in participation as veteran sailors age out and many local fishermen shift to motorized boats,” Somosa noted. “This initiative is crucial in revitalizing the sport and encouraging younger generations to take part.”
Clavecillas expressed strong support for the new category, stating, “The Juniors Slalom Race is essential in fostering youth interest in ‘paraw’ sports and ensuring its legacy endures.”/PN