City vows bigger financial aid for next year's Paraw Regatta
Expect next year's Paraw Regatta to be grander and bigger as the city government vowed to increase financial help to the yearly activity.
City Mayor Jerry Treñas yesterday committed to the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation Inc. the financial assistance of P750,000 for next year.
In increasing the financial assistance to the activity the mayor wanted next year's Paraw Regatta to be bigger, better and grander. Treñas wanted the Paraw Regatta to be known internationally similar to the city's Dinagyang Festival.
Last year, the city government released only P500,000 to the foundation.
Treñas expressed his desire to help the foundation carve its own name in the city's tourism attractions. At present, the city is promoting three festivals, the Iloilo Dinagyang festival, Chinese New Year celebration and Paraw Regatta festival.
"Tourism can help in the economic upliftment of the city. The city will attract more investment and generate more jobs," Treñas said.
Aside from increasing its financial assistance, Treñas said he will also personally help the foundation in luring additional sponsors.
In his dream for a better, bigger and grander Paraw Regatta festival, Treñas appointed City Tourism Officer Ben Jimena as the executive director of the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation Inc. Jimena is also the executive director of the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. Jimena sees no conflict with his recent appointment.