The Manggahan Festival in Guimaras has always been a significant event, drawing tourists to celebrate the island’s famous mangoes.
This year, the festival faced several challenges, but it emerged as a success, showcasing the resilience and creativity of the organizers.
One of the main challenges was the high heat index.
Guimaras Gov. Rahman Nava addressed this by scheduling activities for the late afternoon, making it more comfortable for attendees. The popular unlimited mango-eating events were held at specific times to ensure safety and enjoyment despite the heat.
Another issue was the price of mangoes. With a glut in supply, mangoes were selling for as low as ₱40 per kilo in Iloilo City, which might have discouraged some from traveling to Guimaras just for the fruit.
However, the Governor emphasized that the festival’s theme, #MangoAndMore, highlights that Guimaras offers more than just mangoes.
All Sectors
The island also boasts aquaculture and marine culture products from the ocean and brackish waters, enhancing its reputation as a premier agri-festival.
The festival's biggest draw has always been its cultural shows. This year, these shows were strategically scheduled for the weekend to attract more visitors, learning from past experiences.
Each day of the festival focused on different sectors such as coconut farming, fishing, and floriculture, ensuring that no farmer was left behind and that the diversity of Guimaras’ agriculture was on full display.
Youth engagement was another focal point, with Governor Nava highlighting that nearly 50 percent of Guimaras’ 200,000 population are young people.
Music performances by popular artists like Ben & Ben and Yeng Constantino were included to entertain both locals and tourists, enhancing the festival’s appeal.
Resounding Feat
Despite the challenges posed by high temperatures and a surplus of mangoes affecting prices, the Manggahan Festival 2024 was a success.
The careful planning and diverse programming ensured that there was something for everyone, from agricultural showcases to cultural performances and concerts.
Guimaras demonstrated that it is not just about mangoes but a rich, vibrant community with much to offer.
This year's festival has set a high standard for future events, proving that with innovation and adaptability, even longstanding traditions can continue to thrive.
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