ICPO all set for Paraw Regatta Festival

ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) assured its security measures are all set to ensure a safe and fun celebration of the Paraw Regatta Festival 2024.

Touted as the oldest and largest traditional craft event in Asia, the Paraw Regatta Festival will hoist the sails from Feb. 26 to March 3.

“We’re all set and ready for the Paraw Regatta Festival,” ICPO spokesperson Major Shella Mae Sangrines told Panay News.

“With the overall in charge [of security] being the Arevalo police station, we have coordinated extensively with them to guarantee a smooth and secure celebration.”

Sangrines urged festivalgoers to cooperate with the authorities to ensure that the festival is safe for everyone.

“Let us all work together to uphold peace and order during this event,” she said.

According to the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc., the 51st edition of the festival will highlight the iconic paraw sailboat, races, cultural performances, and lively street parade to pay homage to the seafaring heritage of Western Visayas.

The Paraw Regatta Festival 2024 will officially kick off on Feb. 25 with a solemn mass at the Arevalo Parish.

This year’s events are as follows:

* Pinta layag (Feb. 26 to March 2)

* Pinta Regatta contest (Feb. 27)

* Paraw Regatta Job Fair and Miniature Paraw contest (Feb. 28)

* Slalom Race (Feb. 29)

* Paraw Duathlon, beach sports, Sinamba Sa Regatta (March 2)

* Paraw main race, Pinta Tawo, Pinta Layag judging, Paraw Lechon contest, Paraw Beach Bodies, Lighted paraw and fireworks display, photo contest, and awarding ceremony (March 3)/