Now in its 16th year, the Manggahan Festival (or Mango Festival) was held on Monday in Guimaras Island which is known for producing the sweetest mangoes in the country.

To mark the celebrations, an agri-trade fair was held in the island. The fair featured local products that serve as alternative livelihood for residents after mango harvest seasons. These include bags, caps, and other household materials which are made with an indigenous material called alibhon.

Dominic Abad, Department of Trade and Industry regional director, said community-based local tourism through indigenous products would help alleviate the financial straits of Guimaras residents. He added that their ability to make beautiful and useful crafts out of local materials is proof of their talent and ingenuity.

At present, there are at least 70,000 mango trees in the province, enough to supply mango fruits to other parts of the world like Australia and the United States.