Angeles City—The city government here under the leadership of Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. held a cooking exhibition that featured authentic Kapampangan cuisine cooked by distinguished Angeleño culinarians.
This is in line with the city’s observance of the Filipino Food Month or Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino this month of April, in accordance with the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Memorandum Circular No. 2023-050. Dubbed “Pagkaing Sariling Atin, Mahalin at Pagyamanin”, renowned cooks graced the activity including 25 Seeds Restaurant Head Chef Robert Bautista with his version of the traditional okoy; Carmina Pangilinan, the granddaughter of the “Legendary Sisig Queen,” Aling Lucing, featured their famous family recipe, and Suklati Batirol of Museo Ning Angeles.
Through the activity, Mayor Lazatin sought to let the public know about their various food options by advocating the consumption of slow-cooked food which was made during the exhibit.
“This should remind Angeleños that authentic food in Angeles City is embedded in their tradition,” Lazatin said.
“Kultura na natin dito sa Angeles City ang pagluluto at nais natin na manatili ang ganitong tradisyon para sa ikabubuti ng bawat Angeleño,” Lazatin added.
Chief Adviser IC Calaguas and Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel, supervised the event with Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO) led by Anneleen Antonio-Sugui, who worked hand-in-hand with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA) in fulfilling the objectives of the cooking exhibition.
DILG City Director Yvette Cosio and National Historical Commission of the Philippines Museum Curator Bettina Arriola also graced the event, showing their support to the local celebration of Angeleño cuisine.
Meanwhile, the Angeles City Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (ACEDIPO) led by Irish Bonus-Llego is also set to participate in 15th Philippine Food Expo at the SMX Convention Center Manila on April 28-30, 2023 to showcase the local food done by micro, small, medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Angeles City.
ACEDIPO aims to establish an avenue for improving production and optimizing business opportunities in conjunction with Filipino Food Month.
Filipino Food Month is yearly celebrated in the Philippines during the month of April by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 469 signed in 2018, for the purpose of appreciating and promoting the vast Filipino culinary traditions.