IBA, Zambales — Zambales is all set once again for this year’s vibrant celebration of the Dinamulag Festival, a colorful tribute to the province’s pride — the world-renowned “dinamulag” or carabao mango, celebrated as one of the sweetest globally.
The provincial government of Zambales announced that the 2025 Dinamulag Festival, scheduled for May 21 to 24, promises a richer showcase of agro-cultural exhibitions, dynamic sports events, and vibrant product displays, all aimed at further strengthening the local mango industry.
“Beyond the festive spirit, the Dinamulag Festival highlights the serious efforts of our stakeholders to improve the production and marketing of Zambales mangoes. This is not just a celebration — it’s a commitment to sustain and grow the industry,” according to the statement.
They noted that in partnership with mango industry players, launched last year the P50-million Green Mango Valley Project to expand mango cultivation, enhance yield per hectare, and strengthen the value chain from farm to market.
“There’s greater reason to celebrate this year, as our mango development initiatives are thriving and delivering promising results,” it added.
For the first time, this year’s Dinamulag Festival kicked off with an off-site program on April 26 at SM City Olongapo Central, featuring mango product showcases, street-dancing exhibitions, fun challenges, and the Zamba-Tuklas Talento auditions for Cluster 1 participants from Castillejos, Subic, and Olongapo City.
Zambales Tourism Manager Tel Mora explained that the off-site kickoff was designed to widen audience engagement and build excitement for the main festivities.
The Zamba-Tuklas Talento auditions continue at the San Felipe Public Mall on May 16 for Cluster 2 (San Marcelino, San Antonio, San Narciso, San Felipe, and Cabangan) and at the Balin Sambali Hotel in Iba on May 17 for Cluster 3 (Botolan, Iba, Palauig, Masinloc, Candelaria, and Sta. Cruz).
The festival proper begins on May 21 with the Dinamulag Fun Run at 6:00 a.m. at the Zambales Sports Complex, followed by a thanksgiving mass at Saint Augustine Cathedral, and a Drum and Lyre Competition at the Botolan People’s Plaza.
On May 22, the 2025 Mango Congress will open at the Botolan People’s Plaza, alongside events such as the Kadiwa ng Pangulo “Likha at Disenyo” exhibits, the “Pinaka Manggahan” contest, Zambalubong Souvenir Contest, and the Flavors of Zambales culinary competition.
Exciting sports events headline May 23, starting with the Gov. Jun Ebdane 4×4 Off-Road Challenge and Motocross competitions at Barangay Dirita in Iba at 7:00 a.m. Concurrently, a capacity-building program for stakeholders will be held at Balin Sambali, and the Grand Finals of the Zambales-Tuklas Talento contest will light up the Botolan People’s Plaza at 8:00 p.m.
The Zambales Mango Industry Council will also host an open house on May 23, featuring a pick-and-pay mango experience and live farm demos at the Batungbacal Farms in Bulawen, Palauig.
The final day, May 24, will kick off early with the Dinamulag Mountain Bike Challenge at 5:00 a.m. at the Zambales Sports Complex, alongside the championship rounds for the 4×4 and motocross competitions, and the Flavors of Zambales Cooking Challenge at Micro Asia College in Iba.
The festival’s grand finale, the Zamba-Liwanag Float Parade, will commence at 8:00 p.m. from Iba Airport, parade through the capital town, and culminate at the Zambales Sports Complex, wrapping up the four-day celebration with a spectacular showcase of light, color, and community pride.