IN TIME for the celebration of Filipino Food Month, Ilocano dishes shine in the Hapag ng Pamana, a joint event by the City Government of Laoag and National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) from April 18 to 19.
The said food fair featured local businesses and entrepreneurs across Ilocos Norte, advertising their unique and diverse range of food products.
It was attended by various entrepreneurs and exhibitors from the province who showcased their different goods. New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Kell is also one of the guests during the launching.
The highlight of the event was the exhibition of the different food products and delicacies across the province, made with locally sourced ingredients.
The exhibitors also presented a variety of Ilokano foods, from the crispy miki of Papa Pogs Kitchenette to the mushroom bagnet of Mushroom King; they proved their passion and creativity to sell their goods.
Richard Lamug, producer of mushroom bagnet and owner of the Mushroom King, shared that in order to distinguish his product from other companies, he started to develop a new flavor during the pandemic.
“Maraming gumagawa ng mushroom chicharon but to identify myself or the company from the rest of the other company. Marketing wise, we’re using mushroom bagnet. Kapag sinabi mong Ilocos Mushroom Bagnet, that’s from Ilocos Norte”, Lamug said.
Meanwhile, Merickson Dancel of Mercy’s Longganisa, expressed his gratitude to the city government of Laoag for giving them the opportunity to promote their products.
“Malaki ang pasasalamat naming sa city government na nabigyan kami ng oportunidad na ibahagi at i-promote itong negosyo namin,” said Dancel.
Different stalls of food delicacies and other Ilokano goods were displayed.
In his message, City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon emphasized the significance of promoting and preserving Ilokano cuisine and products.
“A culture is defined by the following: a culture is defined by its geography, by its location, it is defined by its religion, it is defined by the language, and it is defined by its cuisine or the food that the people eat,” said Keon.
The event has left the visitors as well as the locals an amplified appreciation for Ilokano foods and the entrepreneurs who keep it alive. (PIA)