Paraw Regatta, a symbol of Ilonggo's history, culture—Trompeta
Department of Tourism (DoT) Regional Director Edwin Trompeta viewed Paraw Regatta as a symbol of Ilonggo's history and culture. It manifests the Ilonggo's lifestyle and not just a race among the native outriggers in the strait between Iloilo and island province of Guimaras, he said.
Trompeta said "paraw" (sailboat) is part of Ilonggo's culture and history. Paraw is used as means of livelihood and as means of transportation. People living in the islands particularly in Panubolon Island in Guimaras use paraw to bring their goods in the mainland and transport their children to school. Paraw also served as ambulance to transport the sick to the nearest island and to the hospital.
In last Tuesday's launching of the 2008 Paraw Regatta Festival, Trompeta stressed that next year's theme which is "Iloilo Paraw Flies! Making a Name, Sailing High!" is a significant theme for the activity. It manifests family life, coordination and cooperation among the government and private sector.
Trompeta, who is one of the board of trustees of the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation (IPRF), said the ongoing scholarship offered by the foundation to the children of paraw crews is a contribution to family life. The foundation is struggling to gather resources but something good came out with the scholarship program.
He said they will give out prizes to teams that shows cooperation in next year's competition. The foundation will give awards to the group. Sailing a paraw needs a collaborative effort and cooperation from the crews. It needs team effort to sail.
The foundation is expecting a team of five people from Parara, Tigbauan, Camangay, Leganes, Isla de Higantes in Carles and from the different barangays in the island-province of Guimaras to join in the team competition, said Trompeta.
He compared the cooperation of the paraw crews to the cooperation among the local government units and the private sector. Paraw sailing is not just a contest of skill but a coordinated effort from the crews. The Paraw Regatta could not have been successful without the help of both government and private sectors, he added.
"Cooperation spells a difference between success and failure. We should develop team unity and spirit. It is not only a matter of generating income but foster unity in the community. Paraw Regatta is a community," said Trompeta.