By Hilda Austria/PNA
BANI, Pangasinan — The municipal government of this town will again stage a Pakwan festival starting Jan. 26 that will promote the town’s watermelon as the sweetest and best in Northern Luzon.
In an interview Monday, Municipal Tourism Officer Rommel Dulay disclosed that among the activities for this year’s Pakwan festival is the cook fest on Jan. 30, which will feature different kinds of watermelon desserts and viand with watermelon.
A trade fair with products like watermelon shake and popsicles will also be opened on January 29.
“Aside from watermelon, other agricultural products of our farmers will also be sold in the trade fair that includes organic agricultural products. A total of 30 stalls will comprise the trade fair,” Dulay said.
Children will also have their part in the festivities as the municipal government prepared an art workshop for them.
“Art pieces like hat and stamps will of course be inspired by watermelon,” he added.
Dulay further said that among the new activities is the Color Fun-Run, search for Binibining Bani, Pets’ Day and concert of local artists; while the usual street dancing competition and drum and lyre performances, among others, will still be part of the lined-up events.
The tables for the Mass Slicing of Pakwan on Feb. 1 will expand to 300 to 400-meters long this year from 100 meters last year, he said.
“We invite everyone to join us in the sixth-year celebration of Pakwan Festival of our town,” he added.
Meanwhile, Municipal Agriculturist Jefferey Pamo, in an interview, said the watermelon industry in the town continues to thrive with 150 hectares total of plantation last year from 80 hectares in 2017.
“Despite the Typhoon Ompong and Rosita’s effect to the produce of the farmers last year, the farmers are still positive of the produce this year,” Pamo added.
