This Week in Iloilo (February 16 to 22, 2020)

A weekend getaway will be more fun as the beginning of the week will be full of sunshine [1]. It will also be warmer in the city with a maximum temperature of 33 °C. However, it will be mostly cloudy and windy at the latter part of the week. A couple of showers will also be expected. Whether it’s sunny or a cloudy day though, a handy umbrella is a must when strolling around the city.

Residents and travelers, particularly those going to the 3rd district of Iloilo or the airport, should brace for more traffic [2] due to another bridge construction in the area. The Aganan Bridge in Pavia town is temporarily closed to traffic because of a damaged portion. In relation to this, the rerouting of vehicles has caused heavier traffic in the area. Authorities are meanwhile urging commuters and motorists to have more patience as repairs continue.

Rigid screening procedures will be implemented in ports and airports in Western Visayas [3]. This is amid the recent scare due to the new coronavirus (COVID-19). In the recent Regional Peace and Order Council meeting, it was agreed that different airports and seaports will be installed with infrared thermal imaging cameras. The machines are eyed to ensure that anyone with viral inspections will be detected.

Still due to the COVID-19 scare, the longest sailing event in Iloilo City is postponed this year [4]. The Paraw Regatta, which features a race among sailboats of different sizes in the Iloilo Strait, was supposed to be held from February 23 to March 1. The postponement is part of the city government’s precautionary measures against the virus. The city government has not set a final date for the event yet. Aside from the Paraw Regatta, some major events in the region, including the 2020 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet in Aklan, have also been cancelled.

As the city celebrated the Dinagyang Festival, revellers were also treated to a colorful surprise as twelve large-scale public art were revealed to the public during the celebration [5]. Now the murals created by various Ilonggo artists are making the city more vibrant and attractive. The artworks pay tribute to famous Ilonggo icons and the city’s rich culture.

Products particularly from Davao Occidental in Region 11 are also now banned in Iloilo [6]. Pork products from Luzon and countries with ASF including South Korea, Vietnam, Russia, and China among others are also barred from entering the city. The ban aims to protect the local pig industry from the disease.

Visit Yoorekka for more updates on Iloilo.