THE ISLAND-province of Guimaras is again celebrating its famous Manggahan Festival after two years of hiatus because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
According to come-backing Governor-elect Joaquin Carlos Rahman Nava, despite the pared-down celebration, the return of Manggahan Festival is a good jump-start for the province to revive its economy that has been stymied by the pandemic.
While this year’s Manggahan Festival celebration won’t in the scale pre-pandemic – where the annual highlight is the Manggahan tribes street dance competition – Nava believes that this year celebration is a good start to more economic activities.
This year’s festival (May 20 to 22) is timed with Guimaras’ celebration of its “Pearl” or 30th foundation anniversary” themed “Rising, Reviving, and Rebuilding.”
Guimaras gained its status as a sub-province of Iloilo through Republic Act 4667, which was enacted by Congress on June 18, 1966.
It was proclaimed as a regular and full-fledged province on May 22, 1992 after a plebiscite was conducted to ratify the approval of its conversion pursuant to Section 462 of the Local Government Code.
One of this year’s Manggahan Festival’s highlights is the return of the mango eat-all-you-can where tourists and visitors can taste the sweet mango of Guimaras.
Guimaras exports its sweet mangoes, paving it to be known all over the world and thus earning the nickname “Mango Capital of the Philippines” from local and foreign tourists.
Guimaras mangoes are reportedly served at the White House and Buckingham Palace.
Aside from its sweet mangoes, the smallest province in Western Visayas is also one of the agri-tourism destinations in the country. It is known for its beautiful beaches and farms as well scenic mountain views.
Palay, coconuts, livestock, poultry and fishing are also major products.
Other major industries are fruit processing, coconut processing, fish farming, handicrafts making, mining, quarrying and lime production.
Guimaras comprises primarily of Guimaras Island, and the minor islets of Inampulugan, Guiwanon (or Guiuanon), Panobolon, Natunga, and Nadulao among othrs.
The province covers a total area of 604.57 square kilometers occupying the southeastern section of the Western Visayas region./PN
