Introduced as part of the CAPIZtahan festivities by Roxas City Vice Mayor Ronnie Dadivas in his capacity as chairman of the Committee on Tourism of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, the cruise takes off in the morning of April 14, 2012 at Barangay Barra passing through Barangays Dayao, Cagay, Punta Tabuc, Baraggays 6 and 7, before winding up at the back of the Roxas City plaza bandstand.
The activity promises to be memorable as three Cabinet Secretaries of President Benigno C. Aquino are expected to join the cruise. They are Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo.
The guests will be treated to a breathtaking view of mangroves and the various sceneries offered by the river. These include the fishing gears used and actual harvests done by the locals, giving the guests a bird’s eye view of the different marine species found in the river.
Visitors will also be delighted with the sight of the river banks lined with Norfolk Pine trees and bougainvilleas of various colors and hues. The river’s side gutter has also been repainted as part of the river’s beautification. Again, the greening and beautification projects are spearheaded by the Vice Mayor.
There will be several stops in between the cruise, with each “docking area” lined with vendors selling goods and souvenir items.
First stop is the Fishermen’s Village in Barangay Libas, where guests will take a glimpse of the fishermen’s modest homes, fish cages, and cultured oysters in next boxes.
Through the cruise, Dadivas hopes to highlight the Panay River’s potentials in tourism, trade and commerce and, later, as a viable mode of transportation.
The river’s beautification and greening, Dadivas said, is an initiative of ONE Capiz Foundation Inc. with the support of the City and Provincial Governments and the Capiz First Congressional District Office.
Panay River is a 98 –kilometer waterway that starts in Tapaz town passing through several municipalities, including Roxas City, before it empties itself into the Tinagong Dagat Bay in Pontevedra town. (Publicity and Promotions Committee, CAPIZtahan 2012)
