This Week in Iloilo (July 24 to 30, 2016)

Just like in other parts of the country, the fight against illegal drugs is the most popular content in the local media be it in print, radio, or television. Local newspaper Panay News reports that there are 5,215 involved in actions related to drug use in the entire Western Visayas surrendered to the police authorities as of July 15. 1,699 of them submitted to rehabilitation at the Iloilo City Police Office, while the other 1,251 did so at the Iloilo Provincial Police Office.

When in Iloilo, tourists might want to indulge in unlimited lechon. The perfect opportunity to do so is at the Lechon Festival this July24, when the municipality of Balasan celebrates in honor of the town’s patron saint Sta. Ana. Everybody can join the sumptuous feast prepared by the townspeople as they hold a boodle fight in the main street fronting their municipal hall.

The Iloilo Provincial Nutrition Council is one with the national government in celebrating National Nutrition Month. The council will hold outreach activities in the top five municipalities with the highest malnutrition rate. The program, which highlights this year’s theme of “First 100 days of life,” will be brought to Maasinon July 26 and Estanciaon July 28. On the otherhand, bloodletting activities are held in malls, schools, and Red Cross office in order to make blood donation accessible to everybody.

It is best for tourists and locals to explore Iloilo City at night, especially during Sunday night. Travel is less problematic during this time of day. However, there are still road construction projects within the city premises in Mandurriao district. These include the area fronting SM City Iloilo and going to Iloilo Business Center at the Old Iloilo Airport, as well as the La Paz district along Luna Street.

The weather for the week in Iloilo will be a little bit cloudy according to the forecast. It is expected to rain with accompanying thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Thus, it is best for tourists and locals to just roam around the city or nearby municipalities in the morning and enjoy the rest of the afternoon and the night by going places with an umbrella and jacket handy.

Since it is rainy season and also off-season for tourists, this is the best time to explore the hidden paradise of Isla de Gigantes for some tranquility and less crowd, as long as there is still no typhoon. The municipalities of Carles and Estancia are considered as entry points to Isla de Gigantes, which is a two-hour boat ride from the main ports. Balasan, where the Lechon Festival is happening this week, is just a town away from both of these places.