Guimaras province is fully prepared to welcome an estimated 50,000 visitors this Holy Week and is reminding tourists to transact only with the Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited establishments for a safe and smooth travel experience.
Francis Gentoral, Guimaras provincial economic and development officer, said in an interview on Wednesday, April 16, that preparations have been finalized across the province—from the Parola Wharf in Iloilo City to key destinations on the island.
“We are ready. All systems are in place from the Parola wharf to destinations. We have assigned monitoring teams that will check our destinations starting Thursday,” he said.
Tourism information centers are set up at the Parola Wharf and the Guimaras Provincial Capitol, where travelers can ask for guidance and provide feedback.
Gentoral said they have already alerted establishments, ferry operators, hospitals, and disaster risk reduction and management offices, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine National Police to be ready for the expected influx.
“We recommend that tourists take advantage of DOT-accredited establishments for easy tracking and feedback. We encouraged them to patronize accredited so the handling of their experiences will be addressed,” he said.
Gentoral also warned against unregistered travel and tour operators, particularly those advertising on social media, as these can be difficult to trace in case of complaints.
Visitors can access a full list of accredited businesses by scanning the QR code posted on ferries, at tourism information centers, and on the official Tourism Guimaras Facebook page.
Currently, Guimaras has 61 DOT-accredited resorts and Mabuhay accommodations, nine restaurants, one transport operator, 12 regional tour guides, and five travel and tour companies.
A popular destination during Lent, Guimaras offers both religious and leisure experiences.
Thousands of pilgrims are expected on Good Friday to join the annual trek to Balaan Bukid in Barangay Balcon Melliza for the traditional Pagtaltal sa Balaan Bukid, a reenactment of the Passion of Christ that follows a 1.7-kilometer trail with the 14 Stations of the Cross.
Other Holy Week events include Pamalandong sa Tamborong in San Lorenzo and the Worship Festival in Buenavista, which begins on Palm Sunday with a reenactment of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and concludes with a celebration on Black Saturday.
Gentoral also highlighted the Via Crucis at Fatima Farm in San Lorenzo, known for its serene setting and the miraculous image of Our Lady of Fatima, which he described as a meaningful site for reflection and prayer.Perla Lena/PNA
