SaLU-SALO Mangan Fest, Basket Weaving, Agri-Tourism Booths Recognize KaPROBINSYAnihan Skills
By: Rowell B. Timoteo, GPC-PESO | Photos By: Rowell B. Timoteo, GPC-PESO | Date: March 8, 2024
KaPROBINSYAnihan cooking prowess took the spotlight in the Mangan Festival on March 8, 2024, while basket craftsmanship was showcased in the Sisidlan: Basket Weaving Competition on March 15, 2024 which were both parts of the Saluad La Union para Serbisio, Agri-Turismo, Lako ken Oportunidad (SaLU-SALO) at the Mabanag Grounds, Barangay II, City of San Fernando, La Union as part of the 174th La Union Founding Anniversary Celebration.
The Mangan Fest included the Pak na Pak, Bet na Bet: Pakbet Cooking Competition challenging participants to cook their unique versions of the traditional Ilocano delicacy. The Municipality of Bauang emerged as the grand winner while the Municipality of Bangar and the City of San Fernando secured the second and third places, respectively. Dessert-making abilities of KaPROBINSYAnihan were also showcased in the Inkiwar Cooking Competition where the rice cake of the Municipality of Caba topped the competition followed by the Municipality of Agoo and the Municipality of Burgos. Finally, chefs from Kambak Restaurant were hailed as the grand winners of the Reyna ng Kusina: Meet Your Reynas Competition. Aureo Hotel and Resort bagged second place while Awesome Hotel La Union won third place. Another highlight of this year’s Mangan Fest was the availability of affordable lechon baboy, baka, and kambing.
First District Provincial Board Member, Hon. Maria Rosario Eufrosina “Chary” P. Nisce, La Union Hotel Resort and Restaurant Association members, together with the department heads of the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) Economic Dynamism and Competitiveness Sector composed of the Local Economic Enterprise and Investment Promotions Unit, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, the La Union Provincial Tourism Office, and the Office of the Provincial Engineer, and guests graced the event.
The SISIDLAN: Basket Weaving Competition also paved the way for the basket makers to show their artisanship during the on-the-spot basket weaving competition. Basket weavers from the Municipality of Sudipen ranked first, while participants from the City of San Fernando ranked second, and participants from the Municipality of Balaoan ranked third.
Overall, the Municipality of Sudipen was awarded as the Best Agri-Tourism Booth of La Union SaLU-SALO 2024 followed by the City of San Fernando and the Municipality of Rosario. The Municipality of Sto. Tomas was declared the top-selling booth with P135,160.00 in sales during the culmination night of La Union SaLU-SALO.
On behalf of Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David, Second District Provincial Board Member and Chairperson of the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Hon. Henry B. Balbin, joined by DTI La Union Provincial Director, Merlie D. Membrere, expressed their warm gratitude to all stakeholders who supported the La Union SaLU-SALO as part of the 174th La Union Foundation Anniversary.
The SaLU SALO Agri-Tourism Trade Fair played a key role by becoming a platform for local farmers, fishermen, and local entrepreneurs to showcase their skills, and craftsmanship as they expanded the market of their homegrown products. The event not only celebrated individual excellence but also highlighted the collective efforts of the PGLU in strengthening the agricultural sector and improving the economic growth of the province in support of the attainment of La Union: The Heart of Agri-Tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025.
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