Paraw Regatta organizers hope to raise P2 million
The Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation Inc. is hoping to raise some P2 million for the 2011 sailing festival.
IPRFI chairman Manuel Villa Jr. said the amount will finance various sports events and programs during the week-long festival. Part of the fund will also be used by the foundation for its scholarship programs to deserving children of Ilonggo fishermen.
Villa said the foundation expects a total donation of P 2 million from local government units and corporate firms for the 39th Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival.
He said the IPRFI will host the event with the support of the Iloilo city government and provincial government, and business entities.
The regatta will highlight a 30-kilometer long race using the traditional Paraw or native outriggers. The sails course through the Iloilo Strait along the coast of Panay and Guimaras Island, and will end at the Villa Beach.
Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said the Paraw Regatta is an Ilonggo tradition, and has boosted the city’s sports and eco-tourism development.
Paraw Regatta, adjudged the 2009 Best Sports Tourism Event in the Philippines, has attracted sailing enthusiasts from Europe, Australia and USA.
Paraw Regatta is dubbed as the largest sailing event in the Philippines and the oldest and longest in Asia.
Next year’s festival is slated on February 13 to 20 with the theme, “Philippine Seafaring Tradition Goes Worldwide.”* PNA
