ILOILO – The provincial government allocated P500,000 for the 50th Paraw Regatta Festival, the oldest sailing competition in the country.
The festival’s highlight is the main sailing event on Sunday, March 19, with around 46 paraw racers and thousands of spectators expected.
“Nagabulig kita because it also affects us, like the Dinagyang Festival. We give assistance sa masarangan naton,” said Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.
The governor added the provincial government also participated, with many fisherfolks from the towns of Leganes and Tigbauan joining the paraw race.
Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) executive director Joyce Clavecillas said this year’s edition of the festival aims to emphasize that the tradition of sailing lives on despite the emergence of motorized or modernized bancas.
She said the festival does not only reflect the Ilonggos’ appreciation of the local tradition but also celebrates the progress of the metropolis.
Clavecillas added the festival shows the maritime industry’s contribution to the city’s progress.
“Ang tradition sang aton mga pumoluyo, especially sa mga coastal communities, nagapabilin. At the same time, we want to celebrate progress in the sense that ang festival nagadaku nga nagadaku. We appreciate our tradition and we also look forward to more progress in the city,” said Clavecillas.
Meanwhile, John Lex Bayombong, chairman of the Paraw Regatta Festival 2023, emphasized the huge contribution of the local fisherfolks who started the festival as a simple sailboat race in 1972, citing a tale told by his grandfather, Honorato “Tatoy” Espinosa of the famed Tatoy’s Seafood and Restaurant.
Bayombong urged everyone to “remain steadfast and strong that one day we will all be able to reach ashore with flying colors where we can find lasting peace, serenity and sustainable progress.”/PN
