Saturday, November 25, 2006

P130M fund for Guimaras rehab ready for release

The P130 million fund for the rehabilitation of the oil spill affected areas in Guimaras province is already available.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Executive Director Julian D. Amador said Environment Secretary Angelo T. Reyes has instructed them to immediately send a Work and Financial Plan to the Department of Budget and Management for the said amount so that cash allocations can be made immediately. The funds will be for the different rehabilitation activities that will restore the environment of Guimaras and affected municipalities in Iloilo.

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Wednesday, November 22, 2006

'Clash of the titans' in Guimaras with Lopez comeback?

TNT also gathered information of 'secret' visits in Guimaras by businessmen and corporate personalities identified with the Lopez Group of Companies Interests are reportedly renewed on Lopez-backed initiatives of a Guimaras ecozone, completion of the Guimaras feeder airport, a five-star golf course investment and the multi-billion planned Guimaras bridge that will link the province to other Western Visayas provinces.

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Monday, November 06, 2006

Guimaras repackaged as tourist destination

The Department of Tourism (DOT) will embark on a short-term rehabilitation and marketing program starting next month for the affected tourist destinations on the island.

DOT regional director Edwin Trompeta said an "island paradise race" and an international mountain bike festival would be held on the island to highlight that "there's more to beaches in Guimaras."

He pointed out that only 20 percent of the beach tourism was affected by the oil spill but the other destinations have suffered a slack of visitors because of the impression that the whole of the island was contaminated by the oil sludge.

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Friday, November 03, 2006

3 firms vie for Solar 1 siphoning

The International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund, which has approved the funding for the siphoning out of the bunker fuel from MT Solar 1 off the coast of Guimaras, will deliberate next week on the proposals of three foreign contractors that submitted bids to do the job.

The three firms are Norwegian, Japanese and British with equipment based in Singapore, Presidential Adviser for Western Visayas Rafael Coscolluela said yesterday.

However, the names of the firms were not disclosed by the IOPC, he said.

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Multi-billion-peso reimbursement eyed for Guimaras rehab

THE Philippine government will seek reimbursement from the International Oil Pollution Compensation (IOPC) Fund “and other appropriate sources’’ for its expenses in the Guimaras oil spill cleanup, a ranking House member said on Wednesday.

Camarines Sur Reresentative Luis Villafuerte said Congress inserted in the 2006 supplemental budget a provision requiring the budget and finance departments and the National Disaster Coordinating Council to seek repayment from the IOPC Fund for all spending, including aid to victims, related to the oil spill.

Villafuerte, chairman of the House committee on fisheries and aquatic resources, said Congress initially provided a total of P1.35 billion for the cleanup and rehabilitation of all areas affected by the disaster.

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Int’l aid groups, RP NGOs commit funds to help Guimaras folk

JORDAN, Guimaras -- International and local relief and funding agencies and nongovernment organizations have committed to fund the rehabilitation of oil-spill contaminated areas on the island and provide alternative livelihood to affected residents.

At least 13 agencies, institutions and NGOs pledged their support to fund programs and projects in the next five years during the Donors’ Forum organized by the provincial government at the capital town of Jordan on Thursday.

The proposed programs focused on rehabilitation of marine resources especially the mangroves and providing alternative livelihood to affected residents, mostly fishermen and shell gatherers.

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Monday, September 25, 2006

Iloilo - Heart of the Philippines

Iloilo is the primary gateway to Guimaras. Motorized bancas pick up passengers from Ortiz Wharf, Iloilo City and docks at the Jordan Wharf in Guimaras. On the other hand, there is also a ferryboat, which will bring you to Jordan Wharf, available at Muelle Loney Street in front of the customhouse. Meanwhile, there is another pumpboat terminal in Parola going to Buenavista Wharf.

Iloilo is province of the Philippines, located in the center of the Philippine archipelago. Strategically located 283 statute miles from Manila, it is the gateway to the flourishing region that is Western Visayas. The province comprises the southeastern part of Panay Island, bordering Antique to the west and Capiz to the north. Just off Iloilo’s southeast coast is the island-province of Guimaras and across Panay Gulf and Guimaras Strait is Negros Occidental.



Iloilo has always been one of the country’s most important provinces. Merchants from China and India have long traded with the Ilonggos even before the Spaniards came, evidences of this flourishing civilization are displayed in Museums and Private Galleries. You can still see the Spanish architectures from the old buildings in downtown Iloilo and a big old Roman Catholic Church, with a plaza in front of it in every town.



Anent the tourism sites in the city and its environs, one can visit landmarks that surprisingly resemble Europe, notably the Molo church, the Jaro Cathedral, the Art deco Lizares mansion and the Nelly Garden to name a few. Not only are many major tourist and historical attractions located in the city, it also serves as a stopover for tourists heading to the beaches of Boracay and Palawan. Just a few minutes drive from Iloilo Domestic Airport, tourists will find sprawling malls scattered across the city wherein they can replenish supplies as well as their energies for the hectic sand-and-water environment that are soon to follow. Hotels and restaurants abound; a world-class golf course is located just outside the city proper in Sta. Barbara.

People from Iloilo are called Ilonggos. They are known for their charm and sweetness that comes from the musical tonation of their dialect, Hiligaynon. You would not be able to tell if an Ilonggo is mad at you by the way they speak, which always sounds like some one crooning a love song to you. English and Tagalog are also widely spoken and understood especially in urban areas.

Rice is the major crop in the province of Iloilo. Fish and marine products are considered the main source of livelihood in the southern and northern Iloilo. There are also non-traditional products in the province which include processed food, fruits and vegetables, gifts, furniture, and others. Traditional products include sugar, coco oil, and lime products, among others.



There are 114 private and government banks all throughout the province and city of Iloilo, in addition to 40 rural banks found in most municipalities, at least 6 malls, and many department stores. The Oldest Golf Course in South East Asia is found in Santa Barbara town in Iloilo.

The City of Iloilo is the capital city of the province of Iloilo in the Philippines. It is the regional center and the main economic hub of the Western Visayas region and one of the major urban centers of the country.



Iloilo City is a Educational Capital of Western Visayas. Including Iloilo’s 6 universities, there are 55 tertiary schools in Iloilo City and Province.

Iloilo City is surprisingly cosmopolitan for a mid-sized third world Asian city. There are a small number of expatriates residing in the city. The most notable and most visible are the Koreans who come to the city to study english. Then there are the ethnic Chinese who have significant economic influence in the city. There are also Indian moneylenders, Iranian and Pakistani students, Spanish clergy and nuns attached with the various religious orders and some middle aged Americans, Brits, Germans, Canadians and Australians who have Filipino spouses.



The National Statistics Office reported that Iloilo province has a population total of 1,925,002, and Iloilo City has 365,820 as of the 2000 survey.

Source: Department of Tourism - Western Visayas, Wikipedia, Iloilo Province Official Website, Iloilo City Official Website

Tourist Assistance

For further information see or call:

Department of Tourism
Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City
(Near Iloilo Provincial Capitol, Beside Museo Iloilo)
Tel No. 337-5411; 335-0245

Provincial Economic Development Office / Tourism Section
Provincial Capitol, San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras
(033)237-1134

Sunday, September 24, 2006

GMA assures inclusion of Metro Iloilo, Guimaras projects in government funding

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assured members of the Metro Iloilo Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC) that their priority projects will be included in government appropriation.

Iloilo City Mayor and MIGEDC chair Jerry P. Treñas met with President Arroyo after the latter arrived from her state visit in Europe. During the meeting, he was assured by the President that the proposed road networks and circumferential roads of the council would be included in the government budget.

Further, President Arroyo assured Treñas that the projects would be completed before the end of her term.


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http://news.balita.ph/html/article.php/20060923183724338

Guimaras Philippines

Guimaras Island is a favored destination by both foreign and domestic tourists because of its picturesque beaches, waterfalls, springs, off shore islets, and its famous mangoes, which is considered one of the sweetest in the world. Guimaras is an island province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Among the smallest and youngest provinces, its capital is Jordan. The island is located in the Panay Gulf, between the islands of Panay and Negros.

Guimaras Philippines
Location map of Guimaras Island

Iloilo is the primary gateway to Guimaras. The island province is 15 minutes by motorboat or ferry from Parola and Ortiz Wharf in Downtown Iloilo City. A roll on - roll off (RORO) facility is available four times from Monday to Saturday and two times on Sunday from Iloilo to Hoskyn, Jordan.

Guimaras Philippines
View of Ortiz Wharf from Iloilo City

Most likely, people would associate Guimaras with its mangoes, which is their most important product and the Philippines’ best export quality mangoes. They are grown in mango plantations spanning more than 8,000 hectares thoughout the island, which create an awesome verdant landscape and the characteristic ambiance of rural life in this “Mango Country”.

Guimaras Philippines
Guimaras Mangoes sold in the Public Market

Guimaras mangoes are considered as one of the sweetest in the world and the only mango variety in the Country certified as pest-free by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The variety of mangoes produced are also best for making dried mangoes, jams and other delicacies. The best time to enjoy Guimaras’ mangoes is during the Manggahan Festival held every May 22 to commemorate the province’s charter day.

Guimaras Philippines
Mango jam and other products are available at the Trappist Monastery

Guimaras is also well known for its white sand beaches, pristine seas, and secluded off shore islets. Among its most popular destinations include Alubihod Bay with its calm waters, and Guisi Beach, where visitors could enjoy the province’s natural beauty.

Guimaras Philippines
Beachfront of Alubihod Bay in Nueva Valencia

Guimaras Philippines
View of Guisi Beach from a nearby hill where an 18th century lighthouse rests

White sand beaches, multi-colored corals, fish, and other marine life are also found in Igang and Tando Bays and Taklong islets. For those who opt to relax in a secluded and luxurious destination, there’s Costa Aguada Island Resort in Inampulungan Island, Nagarao Island Resort, and Isla Naburot.

Guimaras Philippines
One can relax and be be at peace in the many hidden islands and bays of Guimaras

Due to Guimaras rugged terrain and interesting natural blessings, the island also offers its visitors the opportunity to share the excitement of adventure. Guimaras is a great place where visitors can do mountain biking, rappeling, paintball and war games, and island hopping.

Guimaras Philippines
There’s a lot of places to go and things to do in Guimaras for those seeking a fun adventure

There are many theories on how Guimaras got its name. Available historical documents can attest that pre-Spanish Ilonggos had knew Guimaras as “Himal-us” though some Spanish historians had written that Guimaras may have been named after after a peninsula in Portugal called Guimaraes, or from names of places in Spain such as Guimaron in the provinces of Leon and Galerea, Gimenia in Catalonia, Gomera in the Canary Islands, and Guimaraon in another province. On the other hand, Ilonggo folklore reveals that Guimaras, formerly known as Himal-us was named after the ill-fated romance of Princess Guima and slave Aras, who betrayed the tradition tribe to enkindle their forbidden love. They were able to ride a small raft and escape Aras’ arranged marriage by her father to another nobleson. Unfortunately, they disappeared in the raging seas, never found again, and from then on, people seemed to hear the repentant father’s calling of the lover’s names “Guim-Aras” echoed in the wind during stormy seas, thus, the name Guimaras.

Guimaras Philippines
Guimaras is host to many religious destinations and events such as “Balaan Bukid” in Jordan Town

During the Spanish Era, the beautiful sceneries in the island and abundant resources struck the Spaniards. They’ve built small settlements in Guimaras and left imprints on the island that, today, have become heritage destinations. Visit historical landmarks like McArthur’s Wharf, 18th century Guisi Lighthouse, Punta Blanco Target Range, Navalas Church and Roca Encandata.

Guimaras Philippines
Navalas Church in Buenavista Town

Most of the people of Guimaras could speak and undersand English though their main dialect is Hiligaynon and Kiniray-a just like Iloilo, which is not surprisding since Iloilo had dominated most of Guimaras’ history.

Guimaras Philippines
Guisi Lighthouse in Nueva Valencia

All the towns and most baranagys within Guimaras are accessible by land transport. However, three island barangays can only be reached via pumpboats and about 10 inland barangays are only accessible by using four-wheel drive vehicles and motorcycles due to poor condition roads. There are a wide variety of accommodations available in the island from inland resorts, mountain resorts, beach resorts, and island resorts.

Guimaras Philippines
Raymen Beach Resort in Alubihod Bay

Tourist Assistance:
Source: Wikipedia, Department of Tourism Region VI

Links

Link Exchange

P100-million ecological park soon to rise in Guimaras

Where disaster has struck, new life and livelihood will rise.
A P100-million ecological park will soon open in Guimaras to bring more tourists and jobs to the people of the oil spill-affected island.

Engineer Ruben Corpuz, provincial economic development officer, said the Lombija Wildlife and Research Foundation located in Napandong in the hard-hit town of Nueva Valencia, will become a major attraction to both local and foreign tourists.

The 36-hectare park is a private investment which is expected to operate this year or early 2007, Corpuz said.


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http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200609110407.htm

Raymen Beach Resort

Location: Alubihod, Nueva Valencia



Raymen Beach Resort is one of the more popular resorts in Guimaras. It can be accessed through a 15-min boat ride from Iloilo City to Jordan Wharf and a 45-min jeepney ride from Jordan Wharf or a 1hour boat ride direct from Iloilo City.



Raymen is featured by a white sand beach and crystal clear waters, ideal for swimming nad sunbathing

Municipality of Sibunag

Sibunag is a 5th class municipality in the province of Guimaras, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 20,104 people in 3,843 households.

Barangays

Sibunag is politically subdivided into 14 barangays.

* Alegria
* Ayangan
* Bubog
* Concordia
* Dasal
* Inampologan
* Maabay
* Millan
* Oracon
* Ravina
* Sabang
* San Isidro
* Sebaste
* Tanglad

Municipality of San Lorenzo

San Lorenzo is a 5th class municipality in the province of Guimaras, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 20,168 people in 3,809 households.

Barangays

San Lorenzo is politically subdivided into 12 barangays.

* Aguilar
* Cabano
* Cabungahan
* Constancia
* Gaban
* Igcawayan
* M. Chavez
* San Enrique (Lebas)
* Sapal
* Sebario
* Suclaran
* Tamborong

Municipality of Nueva Valencia

Nueva Valencia is a 4th class municipality in the province of Guimaras, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 30,716 people in 6,043 households. This is the site of Guimaras oil spill since August 2006. The boat named MT Solar 1 was sunken few kilometers from Nueva Valencia.

Barangays

Nueva Valencia is politically subdivided into 20 barangays.

* Cabalagnan
* Calaya
* Canhawan
* Dolores
* Guiwanon
* Igang
* Igdarapdap
* La Paz
* Lanipe
* Lucmayan
* Magamay
* Napandong
* Pandaraonan
* Panobolon
* Poblacion
* Salvacion
* San Antonio
* San Roque
* Santo Domingo
* Tando

Municipality of Jordan

Jordan is a 4th class municipality in the province of Guimaras, Philippines. It is the capital municipality of Guimaras, and it considered to be the gateway to the province.

Jordan is bounded by the three municipalities of the province, Buenavista to the north and the newly created municipality of San Lorenzo to the east and Sibunag to the south. Before founding of the five towns, the whole island of Guimaras was called "Himal-us".

According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 28,745 people in 5,397 households.

Barangays

Jordan is politically subdivided into 14 barangays.

* Alaguisoc
* Balcon Maravilla
* Balcon Melliza
* Bugnay
* Buluangan
* Espinosa
* Hoskyn
* Lawi
* Morobuan
* Poblacion
* Rizal
* San Miguel
* Sinapsapan
* Santa Teresa


History


The name Jordan was chosen by the residents in honor of St. John the Baptist, their patron saint. According to local folklore, he saved the inhabitants from slaughter during the Moro raid in the Spanish era.

Nueva Valencia was established as a separate municipality in 1941. It was only in July 1995 when San Lorenzo and Sibunag were created, leaving Jordan with only 14 barangays. Before these two towns was created, Jordan was composed of 33 barangays.

Municipality of Buenavista

Buenavista is a 4th class municipality in the province of Guimaras, Philippines.

The town acts as a cheaper link between Panay and Negros, as opposed to taking a ship directly between the two islands.

According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 41,717 people in 8,373 households.

Location and accessibility

Buenavista is located at the northern tip of Guimaras Island, and is one of the five towns comprising the province of Guimaras. The northern and northwest part of the town overlooks Panay Island and the northeast portion faces Negros Island. Iloilo Strait lies between the town and Panay, and Guimaras Strait lies between the town and Negros. The McArthur wharf serves as the municipal wharf for Buenavista and part of San Lorenzo is used by passengers from the neighboring Panay Island in going to Negros Province and vice versa. This transportation route serves as a cheaper link, rather than taking a ship.

Buenavista has terrain ranging from plains to mountains. The climate is mild and cool, due to its being bounded by the sea on the three directions.

Barangays

Buenavista is politically subdivided into 36 barangays.

* Agsanayan
* Avila
* Banban
* Bacjao (Calumingan)
* Cansilayan
* Dagsa-an
* Daragan
* East Valencia
* Getulio
* Mabini
* Magsaysay
* Mclain
* Montpiller
* Navalas
* Nazaret
* New Poblacion (Calingao)
* Old Poblacion
* Piña
* Rizal
* Salvacion
* San Fernando
* San Isidro
* San Miguel
* San Nicolas
* San Pedro
* San Roque
* Santo Rosario
* Sawang
* Supang
* Tacay
* Taminla
* Tanag
* Tastasan
* Tinadtaran
* Umilig
* Zaldivar

History

Buenavista is the oldest municipality in Guimaras. It was established in 1775, during the Spanish period. Historians claim that a Spanish governor general, struck by the municipality’s scenery, called the old town site beautiful view.

Guimaras Resorts

Featured:

Costa Aguada Island Resort

(Inampulungan Island, Sibunag)
Situated in the peaceful surroundings of Inampulugan Island, this stunning resort is one of the most popular in the area.. The resort is easily accessed by a relaxing 45-minute boat ride from the mainland and gives guests a chance to see the amazing array of Islands in the area. Each f the 68 rooms are beautifully designed and offer air-conditioning satellite TV and a balcony area to relax and enjoy the marvelous setting. The Costa Aguada Island Resort includes several restaurants including The Coconut Pavilion, which specializes in fresh seafood and a large swimming pool complete with bar and there are also riding stables where guests can ride horses around the hotels vast grounds. Continue Reading ...

Guimaras Resorts in Jordan
  • Isla Naburot (Sinapsapan)
  • Baras Beach Resort (Lawi)
  • Colmenares Resort by the Sea (Hoskyn)
  • Natago Beach Resort (Sinapsapan)
Guimaras Resorts in Nuevo Valencia
  • Coco Palm's Beach Resort ( Tando)
  • Freelance Beach Resort (Alubihod)
  • Guisi Beach Resort ( Dolores)
  • Punta Tando Beach Resort ( Tando)
  • Raymen Beach Resort (Alubihod)
  • Villa igang (formerlyPuerto del Mar Beach Resort) (Alubihod)
  • Rico Beach Resort (Alubihod)
  • Sto. Nino Beach Resort (San Roque)
Guimaras Resorts in Sibunag
  • Costa Aguada Island Resort (Inampulungan Island)
  • Nagarao Island Resort (San Isidro)
  • Punta Punting Beach Resort (Sabang)
  • Valle Verde Mt. Resort (Ravina, Sibunag)
  • Jesa Mar Beach Resort (Nauway Island)
Guimaras Resorts in Buenavista
  • Abelardo's Beach Resort (East Valencia)
  • Carmel by the Sea Beach Resort (East Valencia)
  • El Retiro ( San Miguel)
  • Enrico Beach Resort (Zaldivar)
  • George Place Beach Resort (East Valencia)
  • Kelapa Gading Beach Resort ( East Valencia)
  • Legita-Tayo Mt. Resort (Tanag)
  • Roca Encantada (San Miguel)
  • Villa Santarina Mt. Resort (Nazaret)

How to get there

Guimaras can be reached via Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Philippines from Manila, 9 times daily to Iloilo City. There is also a daily boat trip from Cebu and 21 trips daily by fastcraft from Bacolod. The Guimaras mainland is close to the Iloilo Harbor and reachable in 15 minutes by motorboat or ferryboat that services the island from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Motorized banca (pumpboat) to the different islets are available on special arrangement. Travel time is from five minutes to five hours depending on how far you wish to wander around.

The motorized banca picks up passengers from Ortiz Wharf, Iloilo City and docks at the Jordan Wharf in Guimaras. On the other hand, there is also a ferryboat, which will bring you to Jordan Wharf, available at Muelle Loney Street in front of the customhouse. Meanwhile, there is another pumpboat terminal in Parola going to Buenavista Wharf.

For those who want to bring their private vehicle, there is a Roll-on-Roll-off (Ro-Ro) service, which will take you to Jordan. The Ro-Ro picks up passengers at Lapuz La Paz. It has four trips to Guimaras from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM and another four trips from Guimaras to Iloilo from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. it will take about 30 minutes to get there via Ro-Ro. Fare is Php 20.00 per person.

There is also a Ro-Ro traveling from Negros to Guimaras and vice-versa. The Ro-Ro operates from Pulupundan to Guimaras starting from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM while it starts bringing passengers from Guimaras to Pulupandan from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Attractions

Historical

Buenavista Wharf / McArthur’s Wharf
It was built by Lt. Douglas McArthur in 1903.

Punta Blanco & Camp Jossman
(Tinadtaran, Buenavista). Target range and military camp constructed by the United States Army in 1903.

Guisi Lighthouse
An 18th Century Structure with Spanish ruins located on top of the mountain, making it very visible during nighttime to guide mariners passing though Guima

Natural

Biri Cave
(Brgy Poblacion, Jordan) - can be reached at the side of the mountain. Its entrance is low and narrow and can be accessed by crawling

Suli Cave
(Sitio Boro-Boro, Dagsaan, Buenavista) - located along the shore passing through different holes. If you explore further, the holes will lead you to a scenic lake.

Hurot-Hurot Cave
(Brgy. Espinosa). It has two openings, 1 ½ x2 meters and 2x1 meters. It is 50 meters more or less in length.

Higante Cave
Located at a lot owned by Mr. & Mrs. Nemesio Galve in Bgy. Espinosa, Jordan. It has 3 entrances, 3x4 ft. wide, 2x3 ft. wide, 2x3 ft. wide. It is 200 meters long more or less and could be found on top of the hill. Nipa huts are available with a good glimpse of Iloilo Strait. Has an abundant of stalagmites and stalactites.

Capitoguan Cave
Found at Bgy. Balcon Maravilla. A big cave full of bats and a good source of guano, a fertilizer for plants.

Buho Ramirez Cave

(Bgy. Lawi). It is a small cave but the entire entrance is going down more or less about 40-50 ft. deep. It has 3 openings with gushing water. Studies show that it could be a good source of spring water that can supply 2 barangays with 429 households.

Villa Fe Daliran Cave and Summer Resort
(Brgy. Old Poblacion, Buenavista). It is accessible by jeepney or tricycle from Buenavista Wharf in 10 to 15 minutes.

Other natural attractions

Tatlong Pulo
(Brgy Sinapsapan, Jordan)

Punta Tando Beach
(Brgy. Tando, Nueva Valencia)

Guisi Beach
(Sitio Guisi, Nueva Valencia)

Guiwad Beach
(Brgy. Dolores, Nueva Valencia)

Mabalud Beach
(Brgy. Igang, Nueva Valencia)

Dalum Balas
(Brgy Tando, Nueva Valencia)

Guevara Beach
(Sinapsapan, Jordan)

Beaches at Panobolon Island, Unisna, Guiwanon, Yato
(Nueva Valencia)

Isla Nauay
(Sibunag)

Us-usan
(Sibunag)

Nadulao Island

Beaches of Igcawayan and Cabano
(San Lorenzo)

Beaches of San Miguel and Navalas

Taklong Island
(La Paz, Nueva Valencia)

Siete Picados
(Gentulio, Buenavista)

Rumagangrang Beach
(Cabalagnan, Nueva Valencia)

Macopo Falls
(Sta. Terestita, Jordan)

Natagong Beach
(Sinapsapan, Jordan)

Religious

Trappist Monastery (Bgy. San Miguel, Jordan)
The only trappist monastery in the Philippines run by the order of Cistersians of the Strict Observance.

Balaan Bukid Shrine (Bgy. Hoskyn, Jordan). Where a large cross and a chapel were constructed on top of a mountain. Offers a scenic view of Iloilo City across Guimaras Strait.

Navalas Church (Navalas, Buenavista)
The oldest existing Roman Catholic Church in the province of Guimaras that has survived the ravages of time.

Man-Made

Roca Encantada
(Buenavista). Summer house of the Lopez family built in 1910 on top of a huge rock.

Lopezville

(Buenavista). A panoramic vacation house of the Lopez family; offers a picturesque view of Iloilo City.

Good Shepherd's Fold Academy (Buenavista)
45-hectare orphanage; offers high school, vocational training, practical arts, and sciences; built in 1946.

SEAFDEC Research Station
(Bgy. Magamay, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras). Where different kinds of fish are studied for the improvement of their species.

Festivals

Ang Pagtaltal sa Guimaras
A Lenten presentation staged by the townspeople of Jordan patterned after Oberammergau in South Bavaria, Germany. The final act of the play shows Jesus being taken off and laid on his mother’s lap. The trip is climaxed by a visit to Balaan Bukid (Holy Mountain). It is a pilgrimage site for the Catholics.

Paraw Regatta
The Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Regatta is open to any sea-worthy paraw solely dependent on the wind for its power for motion, subject to the specific requirements and qualifications of each category. Held every 1st Sunday of March.

Mountain Bike Festival
A multi-event team sports (mountain biking, coastal and mountain trekking, a call to rediscover, and adventure). Guimaras Mountain Bike Association (GUIMBA) spearheads Governor’s Cup Mountain Bike and Downhill Competitions. The mission is to promote bicycling as a sport, environmentalism as a way of life, and Guimaras as an ecotourism destination.

Manggahan Sa Guimaras Festival
An identity festival commemorating the annual provincehood anniversary every 22nd day of May depicting the cultural heritage of the province with emphasis on the promotion of Guimaras as “mango country”. A week-long celebration showcasing Guimaras products, cuisine, and services. Highlighted with the Search for Miss Guimaras and Miss Manggahan.

Special Interest

Diving
The Small Island Agricultural Support Services Program (SMISLE) took effort to under water world in order to identify the best of the island's sites for diving. They found out that most of the cora reefs were destroyed by dynamite fishing, but with the joint effort of the vigilant people in the coastal areas and the Bantay Dagat, Guimaras will have a lot of potential areas for diving.

1. Brgy San Roque to La Paz
(Nueva Valencia)

2. Tatlong Pulo

3. Tando Area

4. Tiniguiban Islet
(Igang, Nueva Valencia)

5. Ave Maria
(Lawi, Jordan)

6. Unisan Island

7. Panobolon Island

8. Nagarao Island

9. Nauway Island

10. Dolores, Nueva Valencia

11. Tumalintinan Point in Suclaran, San Lorenzo

Mountainbiking
Despite being located on a flat coastal plain with few of the terrain features most people associate with extreme cycling, Iloilo City is home to one of the country's most dedicated mountain biking groups, the Iloilo Mountain Bike Association (IMBA). Their principal playground is Guimaras, a rugged 580sq. km formation of coral rock just across Iloilo harbor, a 20 min. boat ride from the city. Guimaras is noted for plantations of mango trees, locally believed to produce the finest fruit in the country, and the excellent beaches dotting the outer shore. The island is also home to one of the country's wildest mountain bike races.

Agri-Tourism Sites

Panindahan sa Manggahan
A one-day market day in Guimaras bringing visitors there and giving them a chance to avail themselves of the province’s best products at very low prices.

Oro Verde Mango Plantation
(Brgy Pina, Buenavsita, Guimaras)
Second Largest mango plantation in Guimaras as declared by the Department of Tourism as one of three pilot agri-tourism destinations in the Philippines

The Southern Orchard
(Ravina, Jordan) Second largest mango plantation in Guimaras. It is a 220 hectare plantation with 14,000 trees. It is accessible in 10 to 15 minutes by public utility jeep form Jordan Wharf

Guimaras Tree Farm
(Gentulio, Buenavista Wharf) a mango plantation accessible in 45 minutes by jeepney

Guimaras Beekeepers Association Cooperative (GBC)
(Sitio Casilian, Concordia, Sibunag) That have processed product like honey, propolis or natural anti-biotic, bread with honey, candle with bee wax soap with honey. They also have a conforence room to accommodate 30 persons

Eli Sustidio Farm
(Concordia, Nueva Valencia). It is a 5 hectare farm known for its cashew and is also planted with napier grass that is used as feeds for small herd of cattle

Krystell Citrus Farm and Nursery
(Oracon, Sibunag) It is a 30hectare farm which is fully planted with citrus fruit trees such as clamansi, pomelo, and oranges

Sebario Salt Farms
(Sebario, San Lorenzo), The typical salt farm or salt drying bed but converted as a fish pond on certain wet seasons.

Salvador Farm
(Brgy Suclaran, San Lorenzo) Located in an elevated part of the farm planted with different fruit brearing trees, corn and vegetables.

An-an Calamansi Farm
(Gaban, San Lorenzo). This farm spread over a rolling terrain with good view of the hills of Buenavista and Iloilo Strait. The farm is fully panted with calamansi.

SEAFDEC Igang Marine Substation
(Magamay, Nueva Valencia) The sub station complex is composed of several islats inter connected by a network of pontoon boardwalks. Attached to the boardwalks are experient and propagation pens for commercial fishes.

Aquaculture farms
(Nueva Valencia and Sibunag) Aquaculture farms in the coastal areas of barangays San Antonio and Igdarapdap in Nueva Valencia and barangays Algeria are another off-cicuit farm sites.

What is Guimaras?

Guimaras is an island province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Guimaras is part of the Panay group of islands. Lying mid-way between the islands of Panay and Negros, the island of Guimaras is a broad and flat plain with undulating hills. It is an upthrusted coralline bed that gradually peaks at the center. The narrow Iloilo Strait separates the island from Panay and the shallow Guimaras Strait separates it from Negros. There are coral islands along the southeastern coast of the island and reefs along the western coast.



Guimaras is considered one of the exotic islands in the Philippines. The original name was Himal-us but was changed to Guimaras after the folktale of the ill-fated lovers named Princess Guima and the slave Aras, who defied tradition for their romance. The island was once a sub-province of Iloilo but by virtue of R.A. 7160 it was proclaimed a regular province on May 22, 1992.

Guimaras is home of the famous and the best export-quality mangoes in the Philippines. Mango plantations bearing their golden fruits are scattered in the island. Aside from mangoes, kalamansi and cashew nuts are also abundant. Moreover, the seas of Guimaras teem with fresh fishes, shellfishes, and lobsters. Guimaras also produces a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, orchids, and root crops.

Surrounding the main island are the islets of Inampulugan, Tando, Nadulao, Panobolon, Natunga, Nagarao, Naburot, Guiwanon, and a few others.

Guimaras is known for its splendid white sand beaches and island coves. The seas of Guimaras teem with fresh fishes, shellfishes, and corals.

Guimaras has a tropical climate with dry season during the months of November to April and rainy or wet season on May to October.

Hiligaynon is the main language of the natives although residents of some barangays in Jordan and Nueva Valencia also speak Kinaray-a. English and Tagalog are spoken and understood by the majority of the people in the island.

Guimaras is subdivided into 5 municipalities namely: Buenavista, Jordan, Nueva Valencia, San Lorenzo, and Sibunag

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