Pampanga frogs, crickets may leap to Italy, Vietnam

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- “I strongly suggest that these frogs (Betute Tugak) and sautéed crickets (Gisadong Kamaru) from Pampanga be part of our trade mission in Milan, Italy and in Vietnam next month.”

So enthused Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc. (CLGCFI) president and Aurora governor Bellaflor Angara-Castillo during the 2nd quarterly briefing of governors from Central Luzon at the Benigno Aquino Hall at the Capitol Compound over the weekend, when officials and guests were treated to a sumptuous lunch by Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda.

“Oh, I forgot to mention about that extra delicious ‘adobong balut,’ which I heard is one of the specialties of Governor Pineda’s cooks. All of these should be showcased in our trade mission abroad next month, if possible,” Angara-Castillo said.

The two missions are set soon, with Pineda saying about six representatives from Pampanga -- furniture, house wares, apparel and jewelry, on top of the province’s mushrooming bamboo industry -- are set to show off their best in the two international trade fair and exhibits.

“With what Pampanga started, like in bamboo which I was informed there would be a bamboo day on August 25 this year, other provinces in Central Luzon could take the cue from that. We want to learn more with our counterparts in China. In this briefing alone, we learned a lot and we are all motivated to push through with our respective visions,” Angara-Castillo said.

“Pampanga, like Aurora, has so much to offer. For that, we thank Governor Pineda for her foresight and support. Of course, especially the food which we are taking out and home with us,” she told Sun.Star Pampanga.

Pineda, for her part, said, “I am happy we hosted the briefing. I am also proud that we would be part of the two missions where we could show the very best of Pampanga.”

“Medyo mapapagastos lang kami dahil pati palaka at kamaru sasama pala sa Vietnam and Milan,” she said in jest.