by Jemin B. Guillermo

Roxas City (19 November) -- Eleven provinces and highly urbanized cities in Western Visayas, including Capiz will showcase their respective festivals here on December.

Western Visayas Department of Tourism Regional Director Edwin Trompeta revealed that 11 provinces and highly urbanized cities in the region have already confirmed their participation to the parade of festivals which will open the Western Visayas Tourism Assembly in Capiz on December 4.

Trompeta said that among those festivals that will be showcased in the province include the Pintaflores of San Carlos City, La Carlota Drumbeater of La Carlota City, Cannon festival of Bago City, Dinagyang Tribe and Paraw Regatta Samba Dancers of Iloilo City, Bacolod City's Maskara Dancers and the Guimaras province's Manggahan Tribe.

On the other hand, the Antique province will also showcase its Binirayan festival through the Antique National School Dance Club while the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Tribe as well as the Ibajay Ati-Atihan Group in Aklan province will join the parade of festival.

Meanwhile, the Sinadya sa Halaran festival of Capiz will also be joining the parade through the representation of Capiz National High School students.

Trompeta also disclosed that Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano will be the guest of honor during the event with other top officials from the DOT.

On his part, Capiz Provincial Tourism Officer Alphonsus Tesoro said that everything is all set for the forthcoming event in Capiz next month.

The WV Tourism Assembly coincides with the Sinadya sa Halaran festival of Capiz and Roxas City which is set from December 3 to 8.

Aside from the tourism assembly, governors from the different provinces in Region VI will also gather in the province for the 4th quarter 2009 Regional WV Development Council Regional Conference.