The Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival, a manifestation of the strong seafaring tradition of the Ilonggos, is acclaimed as 2009 Best Sports Tourism Event in the Philippines (City Level) by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP).

Already on its 38th year, this festivity is well anchored on its objective to develop the local tourism industry and to commemorate the significance of the Paraw in the earliest period of the Ilonggo History.

It is a race among native outriggers in the strait between the Island Province of Guimaras and Panay. Etymologically, Paraw meaning sailboats were copied and designed similarly with the sailboats that carried the first settlers from Borneo to Panay who were in search of a peaceful home. The sailboats survived the centuries and became a vital part of the Ilonggo seafaring life.

For 2010, Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival through the leadership of Mr. Manny Villa, the moving spirit of the regatta; has ventured into partnership with John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University. As a leading global maritime institution with the vision of promoting our strong Filipino maritime heritage and our young Filipino seafarers, as well as in its commitment to its corporate social responsibility; JBLFMU has firmly committed its support.

The regatta shall be held on February 14 - 21, 2010, with the theme: “Sailing With Honor and Pride on a Strong Filipino Seafaring Tradition”.

The race has become more exciting, colorful, and challenging to manage since it was first organized in 1973 by the Department of Tourism, the City of Iloilo, municipalities of Oton, Jordan, and Buenavista, the Philippine Coast Guard, Negros Navigation, the late Antonio de  Oteyza, Iloilo Boat Club, Panay Amateur Radio Club, the Iloilo Jaycees, Anhawan Beach Resort, and others.

At present, Iloilo Paraw Regatta is managed by the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation, Inc. and supported by the Iloilo City Government, the Iloilo Provincial Government, the Guimaras Provincial Government, and JBLFMU in cooperation with the Department of Tourism Region VI.