LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – This capital town of Pangasinan will be livelier in the days to come with the celebration of Bagoong Festival.

Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil has declared suspension of classes in all levels, both public and private, on March 16 to ensure full participation of youths in the festival.

Some of the events highlighting the festival include Taway-Taway Cooking Exhibition featuring Chef Stries Casallo, Tour to bagoong Factories, Lingayen Cooking Competition, and the Street Dancing Competition.

(Lingayen Information Office via Liezle Iñigo / MANILA BULLETIN)

Mayor Bataoil said the capital town remains the home of the tastiest ‘bagoong’ (fermented fish-paste/sauce) not only in the country, but even in the world over.

"I am elated that we get to celebrate our very own Bagoong Festival on 16-18 March 2023,” said Mayor Bataoil.

“This manifests our continuous advocacy to promote our well-loved ‘one town-one product,’” added Mayor Bataoil.

“Our bagoong, just like our town, is humble yet very valuable. Our favorite dishes would never be complete without this modest tasty dip. With this, I encourage every Lingayense to be, or remain, proud of our OTOP, in the same way that we are proud to be locals of our province’s heart," said Mayor Bataoil.

Mayor Bataoil noted that the staging of the 2023 Bagoong Festival is geared at promoting the bagoong industry and Lingayen, and of honoring the industry stakeholders.

The festival is also aimed at creating an avenue to enhance people’s camaraderie, excellence, and active social involvement.