GUIMARAS – Vice Gov. John Edward Gando questioned the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Iloilo Station’s decision to temporarily suspend sea travel to give way to the fluvial parade as part of the religious activities of the Dinagyang Festival 2025.
“There is no prior consultation with the provincial government of Guimaras, much less, with our people who will be affected. PCG has to explain why this breach and utter disregard of the basic requirement of intergovernmental courtesy and prior consultation,” read part of Vice Gov. Gando’s statement on Friday morning, January 24.
He said Guimarasnons are the most affected, thus the PCG should explain why it overlooked the basic requirement of intergovernmental courtesy and prior consultation.
On Thursday, January 23, Commodore Richard Gura, PCG-Iloilo acting commander, issued a sea travel advisory.
“In connection with the Dinagyang Festival 2025, a fluvial parade will be held at the vicinity waters off Fort San Pedro Strait, Barangay Concepcion going to Barangay Muelle Loney Montes, Iloilo City on January 24 at 2 o’clock in the afternoon. In this connection, trips from Parola wharf, fastcraft terminal and Lapuz wharf are temporarily suspended from 12 o’clock until the duration of the said event for safety and security reasons,” read part of the advisory.
Following this, trips of fiberglass boats and pump boats from Iloilo City to Guimaras and vice versa were also suspended beginning 12 noon on Friday./PN
