Zambales sets mango fest

The province of Zambales bursts into vibrant colors as it marks the sixth annual Dinamulag Mango Festival on April 25-28.

Festivities kick off on April 25 with a grand street parade in the capital town of Iba with dancers clad in colorful mango-inspired costumes.

On April 26, the mango takes centerstage with a carving contest, a forum on mango production, and a mixing and bartending competition of mango concoctions.

The fruit will be highlighted once more in the mango dessert making contest, forum on mango marketing, and launch of fresh mango accreditation on April 27.

"Dinamulag" is derived from the Zambal word meaning "kinalabaw", the mango variety grown in the province and is among the tastiest in the world.

It is exported around the world, especially in different parts of the United States. Currently, thousands of hectares of Zambales soil are dedicated to mango plantations.

Zambales Governor Vicente Magsaysay said the festival promotes the mango industry and events are built around the sweet-tasting fruit to highlight its economic contribution.

The festival was launched in 2002 by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council of the province.

For details on the festival, call the Provincial Tourism Office at 0927-7528572 or 047-8117216.