On Friday, a grand caravan kicked off the 23rd Manggahan Festival where mayors Cresente Chavez of Jordan, Emmanuel Galila of Nueva Valencia, Luben Vilches of Sibunag, Eugenio Reyes of Buenavista and Jimmy Gajo of San Lorenzo with their constituents welcomed the provincial government led by Governor Samuel Gumarin and officials of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the private sector to their respective towns.
Each mayor signed a pledge of commitment to provide all-out support to the island-province’s festival through the Manggahan sa Kabanwahanan.
Started in 2013, Manggahan sa Kabanwahanan brought the island-province’s summer festival to each town in line with the province’s thrust to share the revelry to every Guimarasnons.
It also enjoins the community to participate and support in promoting the province’s prized top crop and its rich culture and tradition.
Manggahan sa Kabanwahanan is set in each town. The town of San Lorenzo held its weekend festival on April 2-3 while Sibunag will be on April 9-10; April 16-17, Jordan; April 23-24, Nueva Valencia; and April 28-May 1, Buenavista.
On the said weekends, the local government units (LGUs) prepared different activities for both local and foreign tourists.
Gumarin thanked the local chief executives and the private sector in their support in promoting the province.
He called on stakeholders to help the government ensure every Guimarasnon experience the economic and other benefits from these tourism initiatives.
Department of Tourism-6 regional director Helen Catalbas, whose message was delivered by Rene Cortum, DOT-6 supervising tourism operations officer, said: "Guimaras has come a long way in promoting its tourism potential."
She lauded how Guimarasnons are able to step up the promotion of Guimaras mangoes through product innovations.
“Guimaras mangoes are now available in different selections like mango ketchup, mango sauce, mango pizza, among others,” she said.
The exceptional taste of Guimaras mangoes captured the taste buds of both domestic and foreign tourists, she said.
Catalbas lauded the provincial government and the private sector, particularly the tourism industry stakeholders, in maintaining the condition of the island’s tourist destinations while upgrading the facilities to improve the services to assure tourists of memorable experience.
Guimaras is vying to become the agri-tourism capital of Western Visayas and the Biking Capital of the Philippines.
The island-province boasts of bike trails that are attractive to bikers, even for beginners.
In partnership with John Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU), the provincial government is stepping up activities that will attract more bikers to the island-province, including the Padyak series that promotes protection of the environment, health, and road safety.
Experience the best of Guimaras, including its white sand beaches and agri-eco adventures in Manggahan Festival on May 11-22. [via PNA]
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