Ang Pahayagan

IBA, Zambales — The provincial government of Zambales has removed motor races and other fuel-intensive activities from the lineup of this year’s Dinamulag Mango Festival, in compliance with a directive from Ferdinand Marcos Jr. requiring government units to adopt strict energy conservation measures.

Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said the adjustments were made following the President’s March 6 memorandum calling for prudent fuel and energy use.

“We have discarded some activities that will be violative of the Presidential memorandum,” Ebdane said on Wednesday. “These include motorized races, as well as the float parade.”

Among the events removed from the original festival program were the Motocross Challenge, the 4×4 Off-Road Challenge, the Car Motor and Trike Show, the Zamba-Liwanag Float Parade and Competition, and the fireworks display that was scheduled to follow the float competition.

The float parade has traditionally been one of the highlights of the annual summer celebration, showcasing the province’s world-famous Dinamulag carabao mangoes and Zambales’ rich agricultural heritage. Meanwhile, the motocross and off-road races had been introduced in previous festivals to promote the province’s lahar dune attractions and adventure tourism.

According to the Zambales Tourism and Investment Promotion Office, the festival schedule has also been shortened from four days to three days in line with the national government’s directive.

“Mindful of directives from the national government regarding the prudent use of fuel and energy resources,” the Dinamulag Organizing Committee said in an announcement, organizers opted to streamline the program while keeping activities that highlight the province’s culture and agriculture.

Despite the changes, officials assured the public that the festival will continue to support the mango industry and showcase local talent.

Under the revised program, the 2026 Dinamulag Mango Festival will open on April 10 with the Dinamulag Fun Run, followed by a thanksgiving mass, the Dinamulag Mango Cooking Challenge, the 3rd Governor’s Cup Shootfest and Firearms Exhibit, and a Drum and Lyre Competition.

On April 11, activities will include the Dinamulag Mountain Bike Challenge, Dinamulag Airsoft Competition, Mango Industry Training, the second day of the Governor’s Cup Shootfest and Firearms Exhibit, and the Zamba-Tuklas Talento Grand Finals.

The festival will conclude on April 12 with the third day of the Governor’s Cup Shootfest and Firearms Exhibit.

To maintain excitement throughout the celebration, organizers will also hold special competitions such as the Dinamulag Cooking Vlog Challenge, Zambales Tourism Vlog Challenge, Zamba-Likha Float Design Contest, Mango Eating Challenge, and the Pinaka-Kamanggahan Contest, which will recognize the sweetest mango, the largest mango, and the mango tree bearing the most fruits.

Pre-festival activities are also scheduled, including auditions for the Zamba-Tuklas Talento talent competition in different clusters across the province and the “Manaliw Mango” marketing event to be held at SM City Olongapo Central on March 14 and 15.

The Dinamulag Mango Festival is one of Zambales’ most anticipated annual events, celebrating the province’s prized Dinamulag mangoes and the communities that cultivate them.