ILOILO City – The province of Guimaras is girding for visitors who will attend the religious event and come to various tourist attractions during the observance of Holy Week.
The Jordan Motorbanca Association (JMA) secured a permit from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) for the Ortiz wharf in Iloilo City to Bondolan point in Balaan Bukid route starting April 15 in preparation for the influx of passengers.
JMA operations manager Ernan Gedalanga said MARINA already approved the P25 fare for the Ortiz wharf to Bondolan Point in Balaan Bukid.
Guimaras Police Provincial Office director Colonel Julio Gustio also said they will deploy more than 500 police personnel and force multipliers for intensified security measures.
“We are 99.9 percent ready. We are still waiting for the 50 personnel coming from the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas to augment our forces here,” said Gustio.
Aside from its sweet mangoes, the province is also known for the “Pagtaltal” held every Lent.
The annual “Pagtaltal,” or the pilgrimage to the Balaan Bukid depicts the life of Jesus Christ, said Pagtaltal Foundation Inc. executive director Bartolome Togonon.
“We hold this every Holy Week to remind us that this month, we, as Christians, should reflect, one way or another,” he said. (With a report from PNA/PN)
