The Agricultural Training Institute–Central Luzon (ATI-CL) joined the nationwide celebration of High Value Crops Week by successfully hosting an activity entitled “From Farm to Flavor: Culinary Innovation Using High-Value Crops” on April 23, 2026, at ATI-RTC III in Dinalupihan, Bataan.
The event gathered three (3) farmer organizations, including the Balsik Hermosa Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (BHARBA) of Hermosa, Bataan; Linaco Women’s Rural Improvement Club (RIC) of Dinalupihan, Bataan; and the Samahan ng Magsasaka at Manggagawa sa Abucay, Bataan Inc..
The program aimed to promote the innovative use of high-value crops such as vegetables, fruits, spices, and rootcrops. Organizers highlighted that many farmers still sell raw produce, limiting their income and market opportunities. Through the initiative, participants were encouraged to explore value-adding practices by processing crops into new dishes and products.
A cooking contest was held in the morning as the highlight of the event, where participants showcased their culinary skills using locally sourced high-value crops. A panel of judges evaluated the dishes, including Ms. Angelita S. Fernando, School Administrator of D’Planners Training Center Inc.; Ms. Normina B. Marabe, Agriculturist II from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist–Bataan; and Ms. Fria Joy B. Soriano, Officer-in-Charge Unit Head of the Accounting and Finance Unit of ATI-CL.
In the afternoon, Engr. Rannel S. Cruz, Alternate Focal Person of HVCDP, delivered a lecture titled “Farm to Table Vegetable,” which aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of high-value crop production and utilization. This was followed by the awarding ceremony for the cooking contest winners.
The Linaco Women’s RIC secured first place with a score of 89.4% for their dishes: Sweet Chili Eggplant, Sitaw with Egg, and Mango Balls with Desiccated Coconut for dessert. The BHARBA placed second with 86.7% for their entries: Smoky Pinakbet, Kalabasa Casserole, and Creamy Mango Melon. Meanwhile, the Samahan ng Magsasaka at Manggagawa sa Abucay, Bataan Inc. finished third with 81.9% for their dishes: Vegetable Menudo, Pinakbet with a Twist, and Mango Graham dessert.
During the closing program, Lunrica P. De Leon, President, Linaco Womens RIC said, “Ang hamon ay kung paano namin mapapasarap ang aming putahe gamit ang gulay lalo na ngayon na maraming kabataan ang hindi na kumakain ng gulay. Marami kaming natutunan. Naipakita namin na kaya naming gawing masarap at kaaya-aya ang mga lutuing gulay.”
Closing the program, Mr. Jayson B. Nidua, Training Specialist II and Officer-in-Charge Chief of the Partnership and Accreditation Section (PAS) of ATI-CL, expressed his gratitude to the participants for their active involvement and support. He also conveyed optimism that they would continue to participate in future training programs and initiatives of ATI-CL.
The event underscored ATI-CL’s continued efforts to empower farmers by promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and value-adding practices in agriculture.
