Paraw Regatta 2012

Aside from the fact that Iloilo is an ideal place to go to for the beaches around it, it should also be noted that Iloilo holds a Paraw Regatta which is not just a mere race of sailboats, but this is also an event that boasts the creativity and art of Ilonggo craftsmanship. The sailboats are also judged by their artistic beauty, because the sails are usually painted with colorful, wonderful, and artistic designs. Aside from the regatta itself, there are also various concerts and parties that go along with this event.

Of course there is also the Sinamba sa Paraw Regatta which is a dance and parade festival that celebrates the Paraw Regatta festivities. One may describe this as a combination of the Brazilian Carnival parade and the Dinagyang format. While it is a festival-add-on that was made just a couple of years ago, it obviously has the makings of a festival that would be as scorchingly intense as the Dinagyang festival.

Treñas wants Iloilo to be IRA-Independent

ILOILO CITY, July 17 (PNA) –- Iloilo City lone district Rep. Jerry Treñas is encouraging the city government not to rely solely on the annual Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) from the national government.

Treñas said that the IRA is not enough for all of the city’s projects and programs, adding that the city should also look for other sources of funds by focusing on business-friendly programs, tapping the expertise of the business community and enticing call center companies to invest.

He also urged Mayor Jed Mabilog to work on the infrastructure needs of the city to attract more business players. He said that the city should also continue its drive on efficient tax collections.

The current sources of funds for the city also include collections from the police clearances, balance of calamity fund, City Hall building bank interest, taxes from real property and the business taxes, as well as from the public markets.

The IRA is the share given by the national government to local government units according to their classification. Iloilo City’s annual IRA is around P40 million only.

But the congressman laments that the share of the city is getting smaller with the addition of new cities every year. This is the reason why the city should strive to be IRA-independent in the future, Trenas said. (Philippine News Agency)
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