LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is partnering with the City Government of Laoag to bring the ‘Hapag ng Pamana’ Food Festival in the city starting April 18 to 19.

This year’s festival carries the theme "Pagkaing Sariling Atin, Mahalin at Pagyamanin.”

According to Ms. Angel Lao, City Tourism Officer, this food festival will showcase local food and cuisines, feature cooking demonstrations from local chefs and cooks, cultural shows, a cooking competition, a food photography contest, and a fora on Ilokano culinary heritage.

Lao added that there will also be 20 booths that will sell local goods like food products, fresh produce, and souvenirs.

“May mga magtitinda ng mga Ilokano products, kasali na dito ang mga opisina ng City Social Welfare and Development, Agriculture, at Pasalubong Center. Mayroong mga magtitinda ng mga malunggay miki, crispy miki, bagnet, longganisa, empanada, at iba pang mga local delicacies, kaya naman magiging masaya ang event natin na ito,” she added.

The NCCA also partnered with the Provincial Governments of Samar and South Cotabato to bring the food festival in Visayas and Mindanao on April 23-27 and April 28-30, respectively.

The festival, which is a part of the celebration of the Filipino Food Month, will be a first in the province of Ilocos Norte.

Through Presidential Proclamation No. 469 signed in 2018 by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the month of April was declared as the Filipino Food Month or Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino.

Filipino Food Month aims to appreciate, preserve, promote, and ensure the transmission of the vast Filipino culinary traditions and treasures to future generations and to support the various industries, farmers, and agri-communities, the proclamation sites.  (JCR/MJTAB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)