Zambales Mango Festival 2011 kicks off tomorrow

One of the much anticipated celebrations in the province starts its four-day revelry tomorrow as the 11th Zambales Mango Festival kicks off.

Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. and Vice Governor Ramon Lacbain will lead the opening ceremonies which will be held at provincial capitol grounds in Iba, Zambales capital town.

Senator Francis Pangilinan, chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food will grace the occasion along with regional directors Blesila Lantayona of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Ronaldo Tiotuico, Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 3 Director Alfredo Tolentino and Police Chief Superintendent Allan Purisima of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 3. Representatives from PhilHealth Region 3 are expected to arrive.

Day one of the annual celebration will feature photo contest and art exhibits, ultimate dance craze program, and the regular street parade and street dancing competition.

New program add-ons ZAMBA Boxing competition, Search for Talentadong Empleyado (Talented Employees) 2011, Huli Mo Biik Mo!, Agri-Karera ng Kalabaw (Agri-Carabao race) and dog show will highlight day two along with regulars mango forum and PINAKA LGU booth competition.

Mainstays mango carving and mango eating contests and PINAKA competition will be featured on the third day along with the battle of the bands and the judging of the photo contest.

Newbies Zambales Song Writing Competition and Ginoo at Binibining Zambales (Mr. and Ms. Zambales) 2011 Grand Pageant Night are lead programs on the final day along with the awarding ceremony of the photo contest.

The annual expectacle is a joint program of the Zambales Mango Development Council and the provincial government to boost the mango industry of the province.(WLB/ AMV PIA Zambales)