LAOAG CITY (PIA) – Pinakbet, the classic Ilocano indigenous dish, was highlighted during the FIESTA (Farms and Industry Encounter through Science and Technology Agenda) on Vegetable held at the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) on November 22. 

It is cooked with mixed vegetables sautéed in fish or shrimp sauce.

In a cook fest led by Chef RJ Royol of GMA Network’s “Farm to Table” cooking show, competitors from various schools and local government units (LGUs) presented their own ingenuity and innovativeness in adding twist to pinakbet. 

“Vegetables are nourishing to the body. Brown rice contains carbohydrates, protein, minerals, and vitamins E, B1, B2, and B9. Brown rice helps prevent high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. Let us help our local farmers to promote our local or lowland vegetables or products within the country,” said Annielyn Alibuyog, assistant branch director of Philippine Rice Research Institute-Batac City.

Participants include students from different colleges of MMSU, Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, and other LGUs.

The competitors showcased their talent in cooking different dishes such as pinakbet empanada, brown rice taco, brown rice sushi, rice halo, pinakbet salad, Pakbet de Yloko, Aling Puring’s pakbet, and pakbet-alamang bagoong with snail or kuhol.

In the end, the representative of the City of Batac, namely the Pimentel Batac Rural Improvement Club (RIC), emerged as the winner with their own specialty - the pinakbet empanada dish.

They took home the cash prize amounting to P10,000.

Meanwhile, the local Badoc RIC and the local government of Solsona were declared second and third placers, respectively.

They received P5,000 each.

This year’s FIESTA on Vegetables carries the theme “Strengthening Research, Extension, and Business on Indigenous and Lowland Vegetable Industry for a Better Normal.” (JCR/AMB/MJTAB/DEA-Intern PIA Ilocos Norte)