BANI—Square-shaped watermelons from Bani?

After the successful staging of the first “Pakwan (Watermelon) Festival”, the local government unit (LGU) of Bani decided to make the event an annual affair to further boost tourism and economic activities in the town, and more.

“We are going to make watermelons in different shapes like square with the help of Japanese friends, and we are having talks with them for the application of their technology so that watermelon will be a year- round crop in our town”, said Bani’s Mayor Gwen Yamamoto.

YAMAMOTO

Yamamoto revealed that since the first “Pakwan Festival” held last February 6 to 9 this year, a 20% increase in the town’s tourist arrivals was recorded.

A boon in the agriculture sector was also evident with the increase of hectares planted with watermelon from 79 hectares last year to 189 hectares this year.

“Our farmers saw the increase in demand for Bani’s watermelon which is considered the sweetest variety in the country”, said Yamamoto.

She admitted the rainy season remains a challenge to the watermelon farmers. During this season farmers choose to plant rice instead.

“Too much water during rainy season drowns the watermelon thus prohibits growth of the fruit”, said Yamamoto

The mayor said an ordinance will be passed to institutionalize the annual festival in order to sustain it even with the changes in administration.

The second Pakwan Festival will be a month-long celebration next year although the main highlights will be held on January 31 to February 1.

Among the activities lined up are street dance competition, street party with the participation of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Legends from Ginebra and Purefoods. (Hilda M. Austria)

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