Longer weekend holiday in Zambales in time for Mango Fest

Dancers clad in mango-inspired costumes participate in the street dancing competition of Dinamulag Festival in Zambalesto celebrate the province’s bountiful mango harvest in this file photo. (Photo by Allan Macatuno)

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales — Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. on Monday declared April 28 to 30, a special holiday to celebrate the Mango Festival in the province.

Ebdane issued Executive Order 09 suspending classes from elementary to college at all levels in public and private learning institutions during this period.

Also suspended from April 29 to 30 are classes for master’s programs in both public and private learning institutions.

Work at government offices on Friday was also suspended, except for units responsible for the maintenance of peace and order, traffic enforcement, disaster risk reduction management, health and sanitation, and other similar services.

After a three-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the province’s annual mango festival has resumed.

At least 16 major events will highlight a nine-day festival that already started on April 21.

Mangoes in this province, especially the carabao variety called “dinamulag,” remained distinct due to their sweet taste.

In 1995, the Guinness Book of World Records cited mangoes grown in Zambales as the world’s sweetest.

In 2013, the Department of Agriculture cited Zambales mangoes as the country’s sweetest variety.

Aside from the three-day holiday, May 1 is also a regular holiday in observance of Labor Day. INQ

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