Zambales Mango Festival 2011 starts today

IBA, Zambales, April 7, 2011-The 11^th Zambales Mango Festival kicks off today as one of the celebrations in the province which starts its four day revelry to be led by Governor Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. and Vice Governor Ramon Lacbain who led the opening ceremony at the Provincial Capitol grounds in this capital town.

Senator Francis Pangilinan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food graced 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 and Representatives from PhilHealth Region 3 are expected to arrive.

Today as the kick off of the annual celebration it featured photo contest and art exhibits, ultimate dance craze program and the regular street parade and street dancing competition.

Tomorrow a 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 be highlighted along with regular mango forum and PINAKA LGU booth competition.

On the 3^rd day of the celebration, main stays mango carving and mango eating contests and PINAKA competition will be featured along with the battle of the bands and the judging of the photo contest.

On the province culmination activity, 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 celebration is a joint program of the Zambales Mango Development Council and the Zambales government to boost the mango industry of the province. (Jason de Asis)