In line with its commitment to champion the richness of Philippine culinary tradition, the Mama Sita Foundation (MSF) wholeheartedly endorsed the “DISCOVER CAGAYAN VALLEY COOKING” dinner symposium. This event was orchestrated by Dr. Fernando Nakpil Zialcita’s “Introduction to Cultural Heritage” class within the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU).
Recently hosted atop the Ricardo and Rosita Leong Hall, the dinner was meticulously crafted by Jan Karl Coballes of the Philippine Information Agency and Cagayan Heritage Conservation Society. Dignitaries from governmental spheres, academia, and diverse advocacy groups converged to savor dishes that proudly showcased the distinctive flavors of the region. These flavors are a testament to the area’s abundant and fertile valleys, framed by towering mountain ranges and traversed by the nation’s longest and widest river.
Healthy Menu
The wholesome buffet-style dinner showcased an enticing assortment of Cagayanon delicacies. Among them were Chicharabao, the crunchy Carabao rind crackling hailing from Tuguegarao; Sinanta, a comforting noodle dish featuring clams and chicken, complemented by Pinakufu, a side of fried rice cake; Sarabasab, a hearty flame-grilled pork dish seasoned with vinegar, chili, and a medley of spices; Inabraw, a flavorful medley of assorted vegetables simmered in fermented fish sauce, adorned with clams, dried shrimp, and either fried or smoked fish.
To round off the meal, guests indulged in Binallay, a sticky rice delicacy elegantly wrapped in banana leaves and accompanied by a delightful coconut sauce. Additionally, they savored Carabao milk candies, a signature treat from the valley renowned for its thriving Carabao herds.
For beverages, the refreshing Binarayang took center stage—a palm liquor distilled from Pamplona’s nipa palms, blended harmoniously with lemon juice and syrup to tantalize the taste buds.
Learning outcomes and aspirations
During her opening remarks, MSF President Clara Reyes-Lapus aligned the dinner symposium’s educational goals with the Foundation’s overarching vision of fostering agricultural sustainability and ensuring food security nationwide. “This gathering offers a rare chance to delve into farming practices and the distinctive culinary legacy of Cagayan Valley—two fundamental pillars at the heart of the Mama Sita Foundation’s mission. Our aim has always been to unite diverse groups in crafting practical, long-term strategies that ensure our farmers thrive, produce ample food for Filipinos, and turn these aspirations into tangible realities.”
Highlighting the genuine essence behind these objectives, Lapus emphasized her mother, Teresita “Mama Sita” Reyes’s vision—nurturing healthy, accessible food for all, fostering abundant harvests, and nurturing communities with essential amenities like robust infrastructure, affordable utilities, dependable transportation, communication networks, and clean water systems.
Lapus further underscored that the dinner marked the beginning of a series of engagements involving Cagayanons, government officials, community leaders, students, educators, and private investors. These discussions aim to devise solutions empowering farmers to cultivate diverse crops, attain higher yields, and establish connections with dedicated buyers and processors seeking top-quality raw materials.
Meanwhile, Nancy Reyes Lumen, a multimedia personality, encouraged guests to empathize with farmers by staging a lively rendition of the beloved Filipino classic “Magtanim Ay Di Biro.” She also shed light on the Foundation’s annual food essay writing contest, “Mga Kuwentong Pagkain,” focusing on holiday dishes in the current year.
Concluding the dinner symposium, Dr. Zialcita presented prospective projects slated for Cagayan Valley in 2024. Under the overarching theme of “Heritage for Sustainable Development,” the upcoming sessions will encompass field studies concentrating on the region’s entrenched traditions in pottery, bladesmithing, fruit and vegetable preservation, and bakong craftsmanship.
Dinner guests – academics and advocates
The esteemed roster of dinner guests encompassed notable figures such as Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra from the Department of Agriculture; National Scientist Raul V. Fabella from the University of the Philippines (UP) School of Economics; Prof. Jed Abaya Gomez from UP’s School of Land Use and Regional Planning; Czarina Saloma-Akpedonu, the Dean of Loyola School of Social Sciences at ADMU; Dean Raphael A. Guerrero from Loyola’s School of Science and Engineering; Chair Jowel Canuday from ADMU’s Department of Sociology and Anthropology; Filomeno Sta. Ana III, Coordinator of Action for Economic Reforms; Lorraine I. Gomez, Executive Advisor at GHD Advisory Engineering Services; Prof. Pedro “Edru” R. Abraham Jr. from UP; Mylene Lising from Crania Heritage Sciences, Inc.; Architect Michael T. Tabao, Instructor at the University of Saint Louis, Tuguegarao City, and President of the Cagayan Heritage Society. The gathering also welcomed authors and culinary advocates Ige Ramos and Nina Daza-Puyat, alongside the 45th CMMA’s Best Children’s Short Story awardee, among others.
Within the MSF’s booth, guests relished generous tastings of Mama Sita’s Balitanaw Heirloom Rice Champorado and an array of vinegars, integral parts of the brand’s artisanal product lines.
