SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – The local government unit of Rosario in La Union celebrated the "16th Linubian Festival" as part of its 154th Founding Anniversary on April 18 after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The 'Linubian Festival', an annual event which was approved and adapted by  Vice Mayor Bellarmin "Red" Flores III , aims to showcase the culture, identity, and sustainability of the town.

One of the highlights of the festival was the Linubian Making contest wherein 33 participating barangays innovated linubian (mashed cassava) on its flavor and presentation using “al-o” and “al-song” (mortar and pestle).

During the competition, participants showcased their creativity through the use of minced cassava spiced with grated coconut, sugar, margarine and condensed milk.

Others also added various food colors and other ingredients to add some twist.

“Ito pong linubian making ay ginagawa namin para ipromote ang cassava as an alternative source of carbohydrates aside from rice at ma-minimize natin ang  consumption sa palay at maging self-sufficient tayo,” said Rudy Sanchez, municipal agriculturist of LGU Rosario.

Sanchez also said the local government is eyeing link the produce of the town’s linubian farmers, to have better income through market matching since cassava plant is abundant in their town.

Meanwhile, La Union board member Geraldine Joy Ortega,who was invited as the board of judges, urged the public to showcase each town’s local delicacy as a symbol of their identity. 

“So, it’s really good to promote it (product) para pag dumating ang mga turista, malaman nila what each town is proud of,” said Ortega.

The festivity also included sports tournaments which was held on April 15 to 16, medical and dental mission and pet blessing on April 19, among others.

‘Linubian’, as one of the highlights of the festivity, is considered as one of the favorite snacks of the constituents of the town. (JCR/AMB/MJTAB/KCR, PIA La Union)