LAGUNA – The city government hopes to boost its local sampaguita industry through the revival of Sampaguita Festival on Monday, May 1.

The opening ceremony was led by Mayor Art Mercado with Laguna Gov. Ramil Hernandez, Vice Governor Karen Agapay, and Board Member Bong Bejasa.

Photo courtesy of Mayor Art Mercado (MANILA BULLETIN)

“Matagal nang sandigan ng ating mga kababayan ang industriya ng pagsa-sampaguita. Mula nang pasikatin ito nang mga katulad ni David Amante after World War II, ito ang isa sa mga pinaka-pangunahing hanap-buhay ng ating mga kapwa San Pedrense (The sampaguita industry has long been the livelihood of many of our fellowmen. Since it was popularized by the likes of David Amante after World War II, it has been one of the main sources of income among San Pedro residents),” Mercado said.

Photo from San Pedro City Public Affairs and Information Office's Facebook Page (MANILA BULLETIN)

“Ito ring Sampaguita Festival ang isa sa ating mga launchpadS para sa ating economic recovery mula sa hagupit ng Covid-19 (This Sampaguita Festival will also be one of our launchpads for economic recovery from the effects of Covid-19).”

Photo from San Pedro City Public Affairs and Information Office's Facebook Page (MANILA BULLETIN)

This year’s festival will focus on showcasing various products made from the national flower of the Philippines as well as other products by local micro, small, and medium enterprises.

The celebration also includes a job fair, inauguration of THE Sampaguita Nursery Park, and a pitching contest for entrepreneurs with business ideas centered on sampaguita.