A student tandem from Ifugao, studying at the University of Baguio, led the winners of the regional recipe development contest led by the National Nutrition Council-CAR last April 30, 2012. The contest, held at the Benguet State University, was anchored on the theme, “Pagkain ng Gulay Ugaliin, Araw-araw Itong Ihain!”

The recipe called “Pako Eggplant Roll” prepared by Kristine Mae Danao and Gemma Lyn Bulayo won the P10,000 first prize. The recipe costs less than P70. Its ingredients included pako (local fern), carrots, tomatoes, eggplant, eggs, onions, and garlic.

The P8,000 second prize went to “Sinigtiman na Gulay”, with ingredients costing only P54, prepared by Maria Calay of Barangay Bunga of Tadian, Mountain Province. The recipe’s ingredients include cadios, gabi, camote tops, onion leaks, string beans, and corn.

The third top recipe was “Kinalot” by Fortunata Lang-et of Barangay Tue, Tadian, Mt. Province which won her P6,000. Its main ingredients are sapsapon leaves, alalwad (polpollot), gabi (taro), camote tops, ginger, aw-aw (locally prepared fermented sauce made of ground rice and river crabs or pork), which costs about P50.

The winners were chosen by a panel of judges composed of nutritionists from Benguet State University, Benguet General Hospital, and University of the Cordilleras.

The winning entries will be included in a recipe book which will be printed for distribution to the beneficiaries of the government’s Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program. It is eyed for completion and distribution by July in time for the Nutrition Month celebration.

NPC June P. Falancy said the NNC received 70 entries which were evaluated by the members of the screening committee composed of BSU Prof. Imelda Degay, Ms. Marcia Espinueva of DSWD, Ms. Pepita Picpican of DOST and Ms. Falancy of NNC.

The activity aimed to develop delicious, nutritious, low cost, and easy to prepare food. It showcased innovative ways of preparing traditional recipes in the region.

By: Maria Aprila Cruz, RTAN Member, PIA-CAR