Manila: Guimaras province is fully prepared to welcome an estimated 50,000 visitors this Holy Week and is reminding tourists to transact only with the Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited establishments for a safe and smooth travel experience. Francis Gentoral, Guimaras provincial economic and development officer, confirmed that preparations have been finalized across the province, from the Parola Wharf in Iloilo City to key destinations on the island.
According to Philippines News Agency, Gentoral stated in an interview on Wednesday that all systems are in place, with monitoring teams assigned to check the destinations starting Thursday. Tourism information centers have been set up at the Parola Wharf and the Guimaras Provincial Capitol to assist travelers with guidance and feedback.
Gentoral mentioned that establishments, ferry operators, hospitals, disaster risk reduction and management offices, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine National Police have been alerted to be ready for the expected influx. He urged tourists to use DOT-accredited establishments for easy tracking and feedback, emphasizing the importance of patronizing accredited services to ensure handling of their experiences.
He also cautioned against using unregistered travel and tour operators, particularly those on social media, as they can be difficult to trace in the event of complaints. Visitors can find a full list of accredited businesses by scanning the QR code available on ferries, at tourism information centers, and on the official Tourism Guimaras Facebook page.
Currently, Guimaras boasts 61 DOT-accredited resorts and Mabuhay accommodations, nine restaurants, one transport operator, 12 regional tour guides, and five travel and tour companies. Known for its religious and leisure experiences, Guimaras is a favored destination during Lent. Thousands of pilgrims are expected on Good Friday for the annual trek to Balaan Bukid in Barangay Balcon Melliza for the Pagtaltal sa Balaan Bukid, a reenactment of the Passion of Christ along a 1.7-kilometer trail with the 14 Stations of the Cross.
Other Holy Week activities include Pamalandong sa Tamborong in San Lorenzo and the Worship Festival in Buenavista, which starts on Palm Sunday with a reenactment of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and ends with a celebration on Black Saturday. Gentoral also highlighted the Via Crucis at Fatima Farm in San Lorenzo, a site known for its serene setting and the miraculous image of Our Lady of Fatima, offering a meaningful location for reflection and prayer.
