ILOILO City – No big crowd-drawing events will be held in this city this month and in March as a precautionary measure against the possible spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
“I hope the people would understand,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas yesterday.
He recently announced the postponement of the 2020 Paraw Regatta Festival originally scheduled from Feb. 23 to March 1 after consulting with the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 and Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI).
On Feb. 8, DOH’s central office “strongly” urged the public to stay away from events with large crowds to avoid being infected with COVID-19 and practice self-protection measures.
Health secretary Francisco Duque III also recommended the cancellation of public events “until further notice” but emphasized it is ultimately up to the organizers to decide.
According to Treñas, Paraw Regatta and other big events here may be moved to April.
“Masugod kita Abril kay indi pa kita kabalo kon ano pa ang matabo sa sini nga COVID-19,” he said.
Paraw Regatta is a race of wind-propelled native boats. Now on its 48th year, it is considered the oldest sailing event in Asia and the largest in the Philippines.
While no exact dates for the postponed Paraw Regatta have been released, the city government set the first-ever Iloilo Summer Arts Festival from April 3 to May 17.
The festival will be a celebration of local talents and their works in various fields of art.
On Feb. 4, the Department of Education Region 6 announced the postponement of the 2020 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet in Aklan./PN