AFTER HOSTING almost 800 Japanese tourists who came via the MV Pacific Venus vessel for the Dinagyang Festival weekend last Jan. 25-27, Iloilo City is now planning to undertake improvements in its port facilities to attract more cruise ships.
“I talked with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) if we can improve our docking facility because it’s meant for cargo and not for people” Iloilo City Mayor Jose S. Espinosa III said in an interview after the annual festival.
The Japanese cruise ship docked at the Loboc Wharf of the Iloilo International Port in Lapuz, which mainly serves as one of the main cargo docks for both Iloilo province and the Western Visayas region.
Mr. Espinosa said aside from improving the docking facility, a passenger terminal would also be needed.
“We are planning to establish a terminal for cruise ship diri sa may (here at the) Fort San Pedro,” he said.
The mayor said he invited and met up with the captain of the MV Pacific Venus during their stop to help in promoting the city.
“I hope more cruise ship will be coming because I invited the captain of the cruise ship and it would be a big help if he could relay to other cruise ship captains that we are a great city,” said Mr. Espinosa, speaking in mixed Visayan and English.
The Japanese tourists, who were mostly senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), arrived morning of Jan. 26 and witnessed the Fiesta Pilipinas Kasadyahan cultural competition and the Dagyang tribes dance competition at the new Dinagyang Grandstand on Jan 27.
They also visited sites at the old and modern parts of the city, including the Molo Mansion, Casa Mariquit, Jaro Cathedral, the riverside Esplanade, and the Iloilo Business Park.
Junel Ann T. Divinagracia, head of the Iloilo City Tourism and Development Office, said the cruise stop was perfectly timed for the festivities that highlight Ilonggo culture and heritage.
“Their visit during Dinagyang was very timely because we were able to showcase our culture. It’s also very important because it’s a maiden voyage so we need to make a very good impression so we can realize our dream of becoming a cruise ship destination in Western Visayas,” she said.
In 2015, the Department of Tourism-Western Visayas office (DoT-6) was already pushing for the development of more cruise ship stops in the region given the growing popularity of Boracay as a port of call.
DoT-6 has been envisioning a cruise ship circuit in the region, which is composed of the entire Panay and surrounding smaller islands as well as the western half of Negros island.
DoT Regional Director Helen J. Catalbas then said, “Western Visayas is composed of many islands and ports that if promoted, can also be a host to cruise ships coming from all over the world.” — Emme Rose S. Santiagudo

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