NegOcc ready to supply 'kadyos,' guv taps Manila for lamb

BACOLOD. Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. (right) with Provincial Agriculturist Japhet Masculino is having a taste of the food showcased during the second day of the "Kaon Na 'Ta" Food and Travel Festival at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City on Thursday, December 20. (Erwin Nicavera)
BACOLOD. Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. (right) with Provincial Agriculturist Japhet Masculino is having a taste of the food showcased during the second day of the "Kaon Na 'Ta" Food and Travel Festival at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City on Thursday, December 20. (Erwin Nicavera)

NEGROS Occidental is now ready to supply “kadyos” or pigeon pea in the restaurants in the province and other food establishments in the country.

This was announced on Thursday, December 20, by Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. during the second day of the Food and Travel Festival held at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City.

“For those who want to buy kadyos, the province is capable of supplying any amount that you need,” Marañon said in his speech on Thursday, December 20.

The governor added that the provincial government has already organized farmers in the Fifth District to plant such agricultural crop.

Marañon recalled an instance where he dined in a restaurant in Manila and ordered “Kadyos, Baboy, Langka” commonly known as KBL.

“When I looked for kadyos, I only saw about five pieces in a bowl,” he said, noting that there is, therefore, a huge demand for the commodity especially in Manila.

“More than just the supply, the province can ensure the quality and freshness of its ‘kadyos,’” the governor said.

Lamb

Taking pride in the province's status as leader of the livestock industry, Marañon underscored the growing capacity of Negros Occidental to supply lamb products.

He took advantage of the Food and Travel Festival to tap potential markets for the product.

The province previously purchased 6,000 heads of sheep from Australia. The governor said these are already distributed and multiplied by local farmers.

“So for chefs who are here, we can supply you the freshest and most tender lamb,” he added.

Special day

Dubbed “Kaon Na ‘Ta,” the three-day event was organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Ayala Malls in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental.

Conceptualized by Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Bacolod's hosting is the last leg of the food-travel festival series.

Romulo-Puyat, in a message delivered by DOT Western Visayas director Helen Catalbas, said the activity marks a special day for the people of Negros Occidental.

“Special because we all know that in every meal we always save the best for last,” she said, adding that “only the best Ilonggo delicacies, the best Negrense chefs, and the best locally grown ingredients and produce will top bill this Bacolod edition of the festival."

Through the “Kaon Na 'Ta,” the DOT official said they put the spotlight on the Philippines as a gastronomic destination, a culinary capital for both local and foreign travelers.

Romulo-Puyat also cited the participation of Negros' very own culinary gems namely Chefs Margarita Fores, 2016 Best Female Chef in Asia; JP Anglo; and other equally talented chefs Patrick Go, Niño Laus, Kalel Demetrio, Nico Millanes, Joerri Arro, and Don Colmenares.

“We feature only the freshest farm-to-table locally-grown produce from our farmers and agri-industrial entrepreneurs such as your world-renowned sugarcane industry that gave birth to the region which regarded as the sugar bowl of the Philippines,” she added.

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