Political will needed to clean Villa beach
Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Edwin Trompeta said "political will" is needed to clean the six kilometers of black sand beach in Villa district. He issued such statement in the recent launching of the 35th Paraw Regatta slated this coming February 18.
Trompeta said the long stretch of Villa beach with the island province of Guimaras as background is a beautiful sight if it is clean. He said they "are looking for the possibility of cleaning the area." However, there must be political will from the city government officials to address the matter.
The beach area is now full of small scale restaurants which also competes with the number of big restaurants offering mostly native Ilonggo dishes such as steamed oysters, barbecued chicken, kinilaw and shrimps cooked in different ways. The area used to show the grandeur of Iloilo City.
Trompeta added that they are not only promoting the paraw competition but also considers cleaning the beach area.
To note, occupants along the Villa beach shoreline have been in the area for quite a long time. Trompeta said the power to remove them lies on the local government.