IBA, Zambales – Zambalenos celebrate its bountiful mango harvest in the Dinamulag Mango Festival 2026 with at least 12 major events to highlight a three-day festivity from April 10-12 here and in Botolan town.
The Dinamulag Festival, which gets its name from the succulent and popular carabao mango variety found in Zambales, brought waves of visitors from the province and other parts of the country.
As early as 6 a.m., Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane flagged off the Dinamulag fun run event in Iba Sports Complex signaling the kickoff ceremony where thousands of runners from all ages participated for various categories: 10km, 5km, and 3km.
The first wave of events also included a mango cooking challenge at Micro Asia College, in collaboration with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Governor’s Cup Shootfest and Firearms Exhibit at Camp Conrado Yap and Thanksgiving Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral, all in Iba, Zambales.
The day’s event ended with the Drum and Lyre Competition held at Botolan Peoples Plaza in Botolan where 11 elementary school drum and lyre groups from different municipalities competed in a showcase of creativity, rhythm and choreography and an explosion of colors and drumbeats.
Cabangan Elementary School bagged the championship trophy, followed by Botolan North Integrated School, 1st Runner Up, and San Antonio Central Elementary School as 2nd Runner Up.
The next day, locals and visitors alike are expected to join the Mountain Bike Challenge, Airsoft Competition, Governor’s Cup Shootfest, and Firearm Exhibit in Iba; and Mango Industry Training at Batungbacal Farm, in Palauig.
The evening event will be the Grand Final of Tuklas Talento held at Botolan Peoples Plaza at 7 p.m.
The final day of the festival will feature the continuation of the Governor’s Cup Shootfest and Firearms Exhibit at Camp Conrado Yap in Iba.
Drum and Lyre champion and first runner up respectively: Cabangan Elementary and Botolan North Integrated School. Photos: Zambales for the People, Malou Dungog
