ILOILO CITY (PIA) — The 2025 Manggahan Festival in Guimaras is serving up a sweet treat with a total of 13 tons of the province’s famous mangoes for visitors to enjoy.
The festival, which opened on May 16, is being celebrated under the vibrant theme “Mangoes and More” as it not only showcases Guimaras’ world-renowned mangoes but also highlights the province’s diverse local products, agricultural innovations, and rich cultural heritage.
“This year’s Manggahan Festival is bigger and more inclusive. We are not just celebrating mangoes but showcasing all that Guimaras has to offer—from our culture and produce to our people’s talents,” said Governor JC Rahman Nava in a press conference.
Nava expressed optimism that this year’s festival, which runs until May 25, would surpass last year’s attendance of nearly 63,000.
Various exciting activities are lined up, including the Mango Eat-All-You-Can event, where visitors can indulge for only P100.
The provincial government also assured tourists of the quality of mangoes as farmers follow certain standards from spraying, harvesting, and the post-production process of mangoes, citing that they are not allowed to harvest mangoes below 115 days to ensure the quality of the fruit.
Meanwhile, festival-goers can also look forward to a range of other major events, including:
Cultural and Street Dance Competitions: The five municipalities of Guimaras will display their vibrant heritage through captivating performances and choreography.
Agri-Fishery Fair and Trade Exhibits: Featuring the province’s agricultural innovations and locally produced goods.
Manggahan Music Fest: A showcase of top artists and bands, bringing a lively atmosphere to the festivities.
Panabor sa Isla: A gastronomic highlight that celebrates the province’s rich culinary heritage.
Mr. and Miss Guimaras Pageant: A competition that will crown the island’s most promising personalities.
To accommodate the expected influx of visitors, additional sea vessel trips have been scheduled, extending from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. The provincial government has also assured public safety, with security measures in place, provided by the Guimaras Police Provincial Office (GPPO) and other peacekeeping forces.
This year’s festival is backed by a P42-million budget, an increase from the P34 million allocated in 2024.
The provincial government hopes that the event will generate a significant economic impact, boosting tourism and local industries while showcasing the island’s diversity.
Last year, the festival generated an impressive PHP311.87 million in total revenue.
This included PHP84.47 million in tourism-related income, PHP106.18 million from the music festival, PHP54.43 million from the accommodation sector, PHP1.78 million from transportation services, PHP26.34 million from the agri-eco trade fair, and PHP5.04 million from retail activities.
These substantial earnings demonstrate the festival’s growing influence on the province’s local economy and its increasing ability to attract visitors from various sectors.
With an extended budget and a diverse line-up of activities, the provincial government believes that the 2025 Manggahan Festival is set to be a major success, solidifying Guimaras as a prime destination for both local and international tourists. (AAL/JNH/PIA Iloilo)
