AGRICULTURAL FIESTA 2025 KICKS OFF ORIENTAL MINDORO’S 75TH FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

The Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro (PGOM) officially kicked off the province’s 75th Founding Anniversary with the grand staging of Agricultural Fiesta 2025 on November 12 at the Provincial Demonstration Farm in Brgy. Merit, Victoria. Organized by the Provincial Agriculturist’s Office (PAgO) in partnership with Provincial Cooperative Development Office (PCDO), Provincial Veterinary Office (ProVet), PG-Environment and  Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO), Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), and Governor’s Office-Special Concerns Division (GO-SCD), the event showcased the vibrancy, skills, innovation, and cultural heritage of Mindoro’s agricultural communities.

The Agricultural Fiesta, served as the opening celebration of the Jubilee Diamond Anniversary, aimed to promote modern agricultural technologies, highlight local products, and honor the crucial role of farmers and fisherfolk in sustaining food security and driving rural development. With dynamic activities, a festive atmosphere, and participation from all 14 municipalities and 1 city, this year’s celebration stood out as one of the most meaningful gatherings in the province’s agricultural sector.

The festivities began with the lively Parada ng Lechon, a colorful and creative roasted-pig parade that reflected the rich cultural identity of each locality. Every        municipality and the city of Calapan showcased their lechon designs inspired by traditions, beliefs, and unique local stories. This symbolic parade set the tone for a day filled with unity, creativity, and community pride.

After the parade, participants gathered for the formal program where Governor Humerlito “Bonz” A. Dolor and Vice Governor Antonio “Jojo” S. Perez, Jr. delivered   inspiring messages emphasizing the indispensable contribution of farmers and fisherfolk to provincial development. The lighting of the torch and oath of sportsmanship formally opened the day’s competitions, energizing the crowd and highlighting the spirit of camaraderie among participants.

While competitions unfolded, two major attractions ran simultaneously throughout the day: the Agri-Tienda and the Technology Demonstration and Farm Equipment Exhibit. The Agri-Tienda, a farmers’ and fisherfolk’s trade fair, featured a wide range of fresh produce, value-added products, handicrafts, and locally processed goods brought by the 14 municipalities and Calapan City. Visitors eagerly purchased root crops, vegetables, fruits, fishery products, native delicacies, and organic items, all proudly crafted by Mindoreño producers.

fruits, fishery products, native delicacies, and organic items, all proudly crafted by Mindoreño producers.

The trade fair not only generated income but also strengthened market visibility and appreciation of community-based enterprises. At the same time, the Technology Demonstration and Farm Equipment Exhibit drew strong interest from farmers, technicians, and youth participants. Government agencies and private companies showcased modern tools, machinery, climate-smart practices, and innovative technologies designed to uplift agricultural productivity. Demonstrations offered farmers practical insights on mechanization, improved postharvest efficiency, and emerging  solutions that could reduce labor and operational costs.

A series of competitions served as key highlights of the celebration. The Amazing Race tested teamwork, endurance, and knowledge through traditional games such as Pukpok-Palayok, Palay Hatid, net mending, and seed identification. Teams composed of farmers, fisherfolk, women, and youth members raced to complete stations in the fastest time, filling the venue with cheers and excitement.

The Kusina ng Magsasaka at Mangingisdang Mindoreño culinary competition showcased heirloom dishes and traditional recipes from different municipalities, highlighting indigenous ingredients and cooking techniques. Esteemed judges evaluated each dish based on taste, creativity, and cultural relevance.

The Videoke Contest, exclusive to participants aged 40 and above, celebrated the vocal artistry of farmers, fisherfolk, and Rural Improvement Club (RIC) members. Each contestant performed a song of choice and a required kundiman piece, bringing nostalgia and entertainment to the audience.

Meanwhile, the PINAKA Contest displayed exceptional agricultural produce and fish catch, awarding the longest, heaviest, and biggest crops and aquatic species. Entries demonstrated the abundance and remarkable productivity of the province’s farms and waters.

Beyond entertainment and exhibitions, the Agricultural Fiesta also functioned as a service hub. TESDA offered free haircut  services, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) provided free medical and dental check-ups, and the Provincial Public Employment Services Office (PPESO) extended scholarship and educational assistance. A Diskwento Caravan organized by DTI and PCDO enabled participants to purchase goods at discounted prices, while PhilHealth facilitated e-Konsulta services. Food packs from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office were also distributed to participants. A highly anticipated raffle draw delighted attendees with major prizes such as E-bike, refrigerator, washing machine, 55-inch television, smartphones, and other appliances, further adding joy to the celebration.

At the closing ceremony, municipalities that demonstrated outstanding performance were honored through various awards, including the Best Performing LGU recognition. These awards celebrated excellence in competitions and acknowledged the strong support and participation of each municipality and Calapan City.

Agricultural Fiesta 2025 ultimately stood as a grand tribute to the modern and traditional heroes of Oriental Mindoro, its  farmers and fisherfolk. Through this vibrant celebration, the Provincial Government reaffirmed its commitment to champion agriculture, promote innovation, and uphold the cultural identity that defines and strengthens the Mindoreño community.

Agricultural Fiesta 2025 Awards

Best Performing LGU Winners:

1^st Place: Pola – ₱50,000
2^nd Place: Gloria – ₱40,000
3^rd Place: San Teodoro – ₱30,000
Consolation Prize: ₱20,000 each for the remaining participants         

Parada ng Lechon Winners:

1^st Place: Municipality of Pola – ₱50,000
2^nd Place: Municipality of Bongabong – ₱40,000
3^rd Place: Municipality of San Teodoro – ₱30,000
Consolation Prize: ₱20,000 each for all other participants

Amazing Race Winners:

1^st Place: Municipality of Gloria – ₱20,000 (3 minutes & 21 seconds)
2^nd Place: Municipality of San Teodoro – ₱15,000 (3 minutes & 47 seconds)
Consolation Prize: ₱5,000 each for the remaining participants

Kusina ng Magsasaka at Mangingisdang Mindoreño Winners:

1^st Place: Mr. Dennis C. Magsino & Ms. Rosa Reyes (Gloria) – ₱35,000
2^nd Place: Ms. Estrella Mejico & Ms. Loida M. Castillo (Pola) – ₱25,000
3^rd Place: Ms. Andrea Rosales & Ms. Mylene Consulta (Calapan City) – ₱20,000
Consolation Prize: ₱10,000 each for the remaining participants

Videoke Contest Winners:

1^st Place: Ma. Cristina L.. de Chavez (Socorro) – 181 points, ₱5,000
2^nd Place: Librado C. Ramirez (Calapan City) – 179 points, ₱3,500
3^rd Place: Helen M. Rayos (Baco) – 176 points, ₱2,000

PINAKA Contest Winners:

Crops Category:
Longest Vegetable: Pinamalayan – 3.569 m,
₱10,000
Heaviest Squash: Lino Bibon (San Teodoro) – 5.7 kg,
₱5,000
Heaviest Coconut: Dominador Gonzales (Naujan) – 2.42 kg,
₱5,000
Largest Calamansi: Felix Dipasupil (Calapan City) – 50 ml,
₱5,000
Largest Saba Banana: Maria Elena Sinagpulo (Roxas) – 220 ml, ₱5,000

Fish Category:
Longest Fish: Calapan City – 1.77 m, ₱10,000
Heaviest Tilapia: Edwin Landaos (Baco) – 2.24 kg, ₱5,000
Heaviest Grouper (Lapu-lapu): Joberto Jalos (Gloria) – 5.14 kg, ₱5,000
Largest Crab: Dominador Magutay (Pola) – 1.53 ml, ₱5,000
Largest Prawn: Beatrice Masangkay (Naujan) – 200.3 ml, ₱5,000