Foundation eyes P1.5 M budget for Paraw Regatta
Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation Inc. (IPRFI) expects total donation of P1.5 million coming from local government units and corporate firms for this year's 36th Paraw Regatta Festival. The festival is slated on February 10-17, 2008 near the Tatoy's Manokan and Seafoods Restaurant in Arevalo district.
IPRFI chair Manuel Villa Jr. said the city government through Mayor Jerry Treñas donated P600,000 for the festival. The foundation is still waiting for additional donations from the Iloilo Provincial Government, San Miguel Corporation and Petron Corporation.
The foundation also received P100,000 donation from the Department of Tourism regional office through Director Edwin Trompeta.
Meanwhile, the foundation also a projected an expense of P1.3 million for the staging of the festival.
Iloilo's Paraw Regatta was named by the Association of Tourism Operators in the Philippines (Atop) as the third best festival in the country.
Villa said they have big dreams for a more successful Paraw Regatta festival this year though they have a limited budget.
IPRFI is sending two scholars at the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University out of its funds gained from previous years.
The foundation aims to accept additional scholars to take up maritime course and same time increase the privileges of the current two scholars. The foundation aims to give the foundation's scholars free books, lodging, uniforms and stipends, said Villa.
On the other hand, of the P1.3 million projected expenses, P214,000 is allocated for the cash prize of the winners in the paraw sailing competition, said Spike Barredo treasurer of IPRFI.
Barredo said the cash prizes for the winners in the Category A is P14,500, 2nd prize P9,600 and 3rd P7,200. While, the 1st prize winner for the Category B is P18,000; 2nd prize P14,400 and 3rd P12,000.
Category "A" will be for paraws with waterline length ranging from 16 feet and below, and strictly using indigenous materials. Category "B" are for outriggers having a waterline length of 16.1 feet up to 22 feet, with the hull strictly made of wood although the use of aluminum will be allowed.
The foundation is determined to have a grander and successful Paraw Regatta festival even if they have a limited budget.