Baguio City, Philippines – Now on its third year, the “Mangan Taku” Cordillera Food Festival featuring “watwat” or chunks of boiled pork usually offered to guests during festivities in the Cordillera formally starts today, April 27, 2022 at the Reflection Pool, Wright Park, Baguio City.
The food tourism festival which started in 2019 showcasing Cordillera cuisines is spearheaded by the Department of Tourism-Cordillera in partnership with the City Government of Baguio headed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong.
In her message, DOT Regional Director Jovita Ganongan said that the goal of said event is to promote Cordillera cuisines from the indigenous to the progressive; from the exotic to the popular based on the discoveries and learning from each event and travels the department made in the region.
“Recognizing the importance of food for cultural enrichment, we are hosting “Mangan Taku” as a culinary journey that highlights the vast culinary tradition of the Cordillera,” Ganongan said, adding that said tradition must be appreciated , preserved and promoted to ensure its translation to future generations and to continue fostering Cordillera identity and culture.
Ganongan further said that the tourism festival has already become a source of pride not only for the Cordillerans but for people who appreciate and understand the importance of food in fostering the people’s culture and heritage.
“Mangan Taku has evolved into a highly effective platform for advancing culinary tourism in the Cordilleras which has become an integral part of tourism and is now regarded as a critical component of the tourism experience,” RD Ganongan highlighted.
Meantime, during the celebration of said festival cuisines and heirloom dishes from Cordillera provinces which include Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province are shown.
Preparation techniques are also presented by respective accomplished chefs from the said provinces.
Those who are attending said festival can get a taste of the different cuisines in the region – viands, snacks, desserts, drinks, and appetizers from 20 exhibitors.
For Kalinga, Pasil municipality is currently representing the province, showcasing their Slow Food products such as the famous local delicacy, ‘Inanchila’.
LISTEN TO STATION 1 RADIO: CLICK ME
.png)
