Native food and heirloom recipes from the province of Ilocos Norte were an instant hit during the opening of the “Hapag ng Pamana” Food Festival in this city on Tuesday.
In time for the celebration of Filipino food month this April, the city government of Laoag, in partnership with the National Commission on Culture and Arts, put together a local food fair, highlighting the unique food culture of the Ilocanos.
New Zealand ambassador to the Philippines Peter Kell, who is on a familiarization tour in the province, graced the two-day festival that was participated in by 20 exhibitors from public and private sectors to promote food tourism and natural farming.
Aside from a food exhibit, food photography contest, and cooking competition, the city tourism office said local chefs and cooks also joined a cooking demonstration of the province’s most sought-after pansit lusay (Ilocano fresh noodles), dinakdakan, paksiw, and pinakbet.
“We are Ilocanos and proud of our heritage. When asked what Ilocano cuisine is, the description is simple, straightforward, and like its people, frugal. Raw ingredients are uncompromised in terms of freshness and practicality. We rely on local sources whether they are backyard or farm-produced, resulting in extremely flavorful and exquisite dishes,” said Pamela Aragoza, owner of La Preciosa, a famous Ilocano restaurant in the city.
Experts on Filipino culture and food and agriculture were also invited to a public symposium on Iloco culinary heritage, attended by students and teachers, among other tourism stakeholders from across the province.
“We are thankful and proud to represent Luzon in the Philippine food festival,” said city tourism officer Angel Lao, even as she described Ilocano food as a culinary treasure for its simplicity.
For the first time, Laoag City is hosting the Philippine food festival which carries the theme: “Pagkaing Sariling Atin, Mahalin at Pagyamanin.”
In his speech, Laoag City Mayor Michael Keon lauded the organizers and participants as he enjoined everyone to enjoy the two-day celebration of unique Ilocano cuisine. (PNA)
