GUIMARAS — Tourist arrivals during this year’s Manggahan Festival are expected to increase significantly, with provincial tourism officials projecting a 30 percent growth in visitor numbers as accommodations across the island are already fully booked ahead of the 10-day celebration.
During a press conference, Jaypee Keen Entredicho, Officer-in-Charge of the Provincial Tourism Office, said the province is building on strong post-pandemic gains, citing the tourism sector’s robust performance in 2025 as the foundation for its more ambitious growth target this year..
“In 2025, tourism grew by 36.73 percent. Day tours grew by almost 20 percent, and the overall average growth was 22.47 percent. For this year, the target is to grow by about 30 percent compared to last year’s data,” Entredicho said.
The optimistic outlook is supported by early indicators, with the Resorts and Lodging Association reporting full bookings throughout the festival period, signaling strong domestic travel demand and heightened interest in Guimaras’ flagship cultural and harvest celebration.
Officials said the anticipated influx of visitors will require close coordination with Iloilo City, the main gateway to Guimaras, to ensure smooth movement of tourists and adequate transport capacity.
Entredicho said the Provincial Tourism Office has convened alignment meetings with key agencies to improve passenger flow through major entry points, including the Sibunag-Sebaste Port in Sibunag, access routes in Buenavista, and the Jordan Wharf in Jordan.
Authorities are also preparing for increased traffic at Iloilo’s Lapuz and Parola ports, which are expected to handle a large share of incoming festival-goers.
To manage the expected surge, the provincial government has intensified coordination with the Peace and Order Committee, the Iloilo City Police Office, the Iloilo City Government, and the Philippine Ports Authority.
Entredicho said operational readiness at transport hubs remains a top priority, with crowd management, safety measures, and efficient ticketing systems seen as critical during peak festival days.
The Ports and Wharves Committee is also helping ensure that major terminals are fully prepared for the increased passenger volume.
The projected increase in arrivals underscores the growing appeal of the Manggahan Festival as both a cultural showcase and a major tourism driver for Guimaras, widely known for its world-famous mangoes and agritourism attractions.
With accommodations already at full capacity and inter-island transport hubs bracing for heavier foot traffic, officials said the focus is now on ensuring that tourism growth remains orderly, safe, and sustainable throughout the festival./PN
