This Week in Iloilo (September 18 to 24, 2016)

This week, the weather will be a little bit better with mostly cloudy skies all throughout. The earlier part of the week will bring occasional showers and thunderstorms so it will be best to bring an umbrella. The latter part of the week will have cloudy to sunny weather. Evenings will be a little colder,mostly cloudy with a few showers.

September is National Epilepsy Awareness Month, pursuant to Proclamation No. 230 signed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. T he aim of the disability law is to shed light on the ongoing cases of epilepsy in the Philippines. The government also aims for the public to remove the stigma and fear against epilepsy.

The Department of Health (DOH) is now monitoring two more people who tested positive for Zika virus. The new cases were discovered during a testing done on 12 people who came in contact with the original patient. They showed mild skin rash es but have now recovered. They are currently under home quarantine and are being closely observed by local health officials.

The government is still conducting tests around the province, providing information about Zika virus, and monitoring everyone who goes through the Iloilo International Airport.

Locals and tourists can learn how to lead a healthy lifestyle at the Dinagyang Wellness Festival, happening on September 16 to 18 at Robinsons Place Jaro. Junior Chamber International (JCI) Metro Iloilo Dinagyang will host the event, which will feature local products ranging from food, clothes, art, and more. The highlight of the festival is a beauty pageant dubbed Maanyag kag Maambong na Ilonggo 2016.

Tumandok Festival is celebrated every third week of September. Various tourist destinations and products of Iloilo will be highlighted for the festival through exhibits, colorful displays, and performances at Robinsons Place Jaro. The Iloilo Provincial Government will organize the festival in partnership with Iloilo Tourism Officers Associations.

Iloilo is usually known as a stopover to the beautiful Guimaras Islands, but the beaches of Concepcion are also worth exploring. Concepcion is just a couple of hours away from the city center. Tourists can go island hopping and enjoy the beauty of white sand beaches and clear waters.

Some of the virgin islands in Concepcion that are yet to be discovered include the Bago Sipol Island, Lumpatan Island, Agho Island, and Tambalisa Island .