‘Mangan Taku’ Food Festival in the works of being institutionalized
With culinary being a vital component of tourism, this Cordillera food fair is in negotiations of being institutionalized at the City Council.
According to Councilor Lilia Fariñas, the “Mangan Taku” Food Festival aims to put the booming cuisine of Cordillera into the spotlight and help boost the region’s culinary tourism.
She mentions that culinary has become an important aspect of tourism in the overall experience of both local and foreign tourists.
The festival, a 1-week celebration, features cuisine and heirloom dishes from Abra, Apayao. Ifurgao, Kalinga and the Mountain Province.
Also including how these dishes are prepared, as accomplished by chefs from the respective provinces. The respective dishes are also sampled by the public after the cooking demonstrations.
Our rich cuisine after all, symbolizes our cultural heritage, taking us back to our roots with every bite.
Collective initiative for change
The festival is an initiative of the Department of Tourism (DOT) – Cordillera, in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board, and supported by the Department of Agriculture and the City Government of Baguio.
Officials are looking into holding the festival every 2nd week of April, as part of the Summer Vacation in Baguio activities.
Under the proposal of Fariñas, a committee led by the DOT as lead agency will work with the Office of the City Mayor and the Tourism Promotions Board.
The committee will be in charge of planning, scheduling of the programs, even facilitating the members of different committees with their duties.
Also, formulating the rules and regulations in the conduct of food preparation for delegates of different participating provinces, maintenance of security and order etc.
As well as drafting the plans for putting up of stalls to house participants, and other beautification and landscaping ornaments and delegation of security personnel to patrol the area.
Highlighting indigenous heritage
“Mangan Taku” meaning “let us eat” in the Tuwali and Kankana-ey languages, reflect the natives’ hospitality.
According to the DOT, the festival emphasizes the indigenous heritage food and promotes the program for Cordillera which conveys their tagline, “Find yourself in the Cordilleras.”
The festival has showcased the classic dishes such as the pinikpikan and pinuneg and also fusion foods from local chefs. Mixing traditional cooking with modern ingredients and techniques.
The event has also invited chefs from all over Cordillera to showcase their modern take on classic, and original recipes.
via SunStar Baguio / Maria Elena Catajan
