MAMANG-OS FESTIVAL: A Successful Celebration for the Farmers of Western Batangas

The first ever MAMANG-OS FESTIVAL: Matam-Is Na Katas Ng Kasipagan, a celebration of the harvest season of sugarcane in Western Batangas, was an enormous success last May 5, 2007 at Tuy, Batangas! “Mamang-os” is a Filipino word for chewing/ eating sugarcane which is commonly practiced by locals.

The one day celebration of the Mamang-os Festival showcased different local initiatives promoting entrepreneurial activities through the Exhibit of SME Products in Western Batangas, where different organizations and cooperatives set up booths presenting their local products and services.

Moreover, it also raised awareness on the emerging trends and development in the sugar industry; and highlighted the value of the sugar industry to the local economy, through the Sugarcane Photo Exhibit, where pictures illustrating the local sugarcane farming activities in Western Batangas were exhibited and the D’ Bash – audio visual presentation of different information and trivia about the sugar industry.

Likewise, the Mamang-os Festival was not just enlightening but it also provided fun and laughter to the small farmers through the Mamang-os Entertainment and Games - Sugarcane relays, “Sipsipin Mo ang Tamis!” (Sugarcane Eating Contest) and Patibayan ng Ngipin (Sugarcane Peeling Contest). The Court Dancing Competition - Group of dancers creatively presented through dance and exhibitions the message of the Mamang-os Festival, also provided color and excitement to the occasion.

One of the major highlights of the festivity was the presence of Lipa Mayor and Batangas Governor Candidate – Hon. Vilma Santos-Recto. She gave an inspirational message in support of the small farmers of Western Batangas and the sugar industry. Other guests include Cong. Eileen Ermita-Buhain, Vice Governor Candidate - Edwin Ermita and Ms Remedios Rikken from Abanse! Pinay. The festival was participated by different local organizations and cooperatives in the six municipalities of Western Batangas – Balayan, Calaca, Calatagan, Lian, Nasugbu and Tuy, and government agencies such as DAR, DOT and the Local Government of Tuy. The event was organized by Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS), Inc. – CABALICATAN Project in cooperation with the Municipality of Tuy, Batangas.