The Agricultural Training Institute- Central Luzon (ATI-CL) participated in the nationwide celebration of Filipino Food Month with a theme "Kalutong Filipino, Lakas ng Kabataang Makabayan" held at Victoria Integrated Farm, Limay, Bataan, on April 30, 2024.
A cooking demo featuring egg-based Filipino cuisine was the highlight of ATI's month-long celebration. This activity was attended by ATI-CLβs staff, employees, and interns from Bataan Peninsula State University and Central Luzon State University.
Mrs. Hilaria Del Rosario, Owner of the Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA), welcomed the participants and thanked ATI for choosing their farm as the venue.
βThank you very much for choosing our humble farm to hold your celebration of Filipino Food Month. We hope you enjoy your stay with us,β she said.
Mr. Jan Limuel C. Guevarra, Administrative Support Staff III, introduced the participants, while Dr. Dianne M. Lapuz, Project Officer of the activity, provided an overview and discussed the criteria for judging the cooking contest.
βWe are gathered here today to join in the celebration of FFM nationwide. Thank you for your time and effort to make this activity successful. Surely, you all have prepared because you want to win and showcase the dishes you have prepared using eggs,β quipped Dr. Joey A. Belarmino, Center Director.
Ms. Charisse R. Gosozo, 4H Municipal Coordinator; Mr. Gindi Aquino, 4H Club member and teacher from Mariveles, Bataan; and Mrs. Rosalie P. Hudson, Owner of Restaurant and Catering Services in Limay, Bataan, served as the judges of the contest.
Before the activity concluded, the winning dishes were announced and awarded. The Information Services Section (ISS) was recognized and awarded as the champion of the cooking demo. Following ISS, the Admin and Finance Unit (AFU), Career Development and Management Services (CDMS) Section, and Partnerships and Accreditation Services (PAS) Section were declared as 2nd place, 3rd place, and 4th place, respectively.
Moreover, the Presidential Proclamation No. 469, Series of 2018, holds significant cultural and governmental importance as it officially declares April as Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino or Filipino Food Month. Signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on April 13, 2010, this proclamation serves as a formal recognition of the integral role that Filipino cuisine plays in the country's cultural heritage. By designating April as Filipino Food Month, the proclamation aims to celebrate, promote, and preserve the diverse culinary traditions that define Filipino identity.
