The Agricultural Training Institute – Central Luzon (ATI-CL) successfully held a two-day culinary event titled “Pista ng Lutuin: A Culinary Heritage Festival” on April 28–29, 2026, at its training center in San Ramon, Dinalupihan, Bataan.
The activity served as the culminating celebration of Filipino Food Month, highlighting the richness of the country’s culinary traditions.
The festival gathered 30 members of the Rural Improvement Club from Brgy. Fortuna, Floridablanca, Pampanga. It aimed to promote and celebrate Filipino culinary heritage while showcasing the cooking skills of women through the use of locally-sourced ingredients.
The first day of the event featured a session on basic agripreneurship led by Br. George Maria Saint Winston Visitacion, Farmer and CEO of Yamang Bukid Farm . This was followed by an orientation on the mechanics of the cooking competition. Participants were grouped and assigned secret ingredients, which they were challenged to incorporate creatively into their dishes. Each entry was required to reflect Filipino cuisine with influences from ASEAN culinary traditions.
On the second day, participants demonstrated their culinary expertise by selecting fresh, locally produced ingredients from a market setup and preparing two Filipino dishes per group. After cooking and plating, each group presented their creations before a panel of judges.
Representatives explained their cooking process, as well as the inspiration and story behind their dishes.
At the conclusion of the festival, one group was recognized for its outstanding creativity, innovation, and overall performance, receiving the “Flavor Innovator Award.”
Participant Maritess B. Castro from Barangay Fortuna emphasized the importance of preserving Filipino food traditions and teamwork during the activity.
“Dahil Filipino Food Month Celebration po ngayon, dapat natin pahalagahan ang ating mga pagkain bilang mga Pilipino. Sa activity na ito, natuto kaming magtulungan—hindi magagawa ang isang bagay kung ikaw ay nag-iisa lamang,” she said.
April is officially recognized in the Philippines as Filipino Food Month, or Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino, under Proclamation No. 469 signed in 2018 by former president Rodrigo Duterte. The annual observance highlights the country’s rich culinary heritage and promotes local cuisine.
In line with the proclamation, the ATI-CL continues to actively support the celebration through various initiatives and programs aimed at promoting Filipino food and empowering local communities.
Written by: Fria Joy B. Soriano
