TO ATTRACT both local and foreign tourists to celebrate the famous mangoes of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu City will be holding the first Cebu Mangoes Festival on May 25 and 26.

“We will showcase it with other favorites like sikwate, puto and budbod,” said Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Officer Hembler Mendoza.

Mendoza said the festival is also strategic because of the location’s proximity to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, which is a 10-minute drive from the venue.

The festival will be held at the Mactan Newtown, where 10,000 kilos of mangoes are expected to be harvested for the event from 248 mango trees inside the 30-hectare township.

Noli Hernandez, president of Megaworld Cebu Properties Inc., said the planting of mango trees was included and a priority in their masterplan.

“The Mactan Newtown is a very special township that plays host to more than 200 mango trees lined up along the main avenue, and it is the vision of our chairman, Dr. Andrew Tan, to showcase this vibrant aspect of Cebu. That is the reason why we find it fitting to celebrate Cebu mangoes here,” he said.

The trees will also be preserved as part of the township’s identity and celebration of the community’s own product that symbolizes the diversity of Cebu’s booming economy, he said.

Hernandez said mangoes will be sold at P80 to P100 per kilo.

Tefel Pesigan-Valentino, vice president and head of marketing of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, said the festival will also highlight another side of Lapu-Lapu City, aside from its booming commercial and industrial industries.

“Different entrepreneurs will be selling mangoes, which also includes different varieties. And also products that have mangoes. Not only edible ones but also those that you can put on your skin, and others,” she said.

This will be showcased at the Mango Bazaar where a variety of mango-related products will be displayed. (JOB)