DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte led the townspeople of Urbiztondo, Pangasinan as they partook 40,000 pieces of various native rice cakes in boodle fight style during the 1st Kanen Festival held recently.
 

Among the delicacies showcased in the Kanen Festival were latik, bibingka-pininat, biko, turonket, unday-unday, suman, sapin-sapin, and palitaw.
 

“Ito po 'yong delicacies kung saan ang lahat ng materials na ginamit dito ay product ng Urbiztondo. Say ansakket mi diya ed Urbiztondo mararakep, kanyan masansanting yay kakanen yo (Our glutinous rice, which is the main ingredient, is of good quality),” said Urbiztondo Mayor Modesto Operania.
 

He added that with the success of the festival, they are contemplating to join the Guinness Book of World Records in the future.
 

The festival will also be an annual event from now on since it was institutionalized through a resolution passed by the Sangguniang Bayan.

Meanwhile, Vice President Duterte commended the local government unit of Urbiztondo and the people “for not giving up when time was hard, and when your unity and love for country was challenged” during the pandemic.
 
Duterte admired Urbiztondo’s efforts to keep its local tradition alive by making food that is attached to its history and natural resources.
 
“More than good food, you offer an experience, a tradition and the opportunity for our fellow Filipinos to appreciate the connection between the food that you prepare and the relationships that you nurture,” she said.
 

She added, “Sana ay manahin ng bagong henerasyon ng mga residente ng Urbiztondo ang pagpapahalaga sa tradisyon ng Kanen Festival at mas makilala pa ang inyong bayan dahil dito.”
 
 The Vice President also encouraged the residents to avail of her office’s livelihood program, “MagNegosyo Ka Day,” which offers capital and training to women, LGBTQ, persons with disabilities, and the youth.
 
“Dito, pwede naming pondohan ang inyong mga programa at bibigyan kayo ng training o pagsasanay para matiyak na lalago at magiging successful ang inyong mga negosyo,” Duterte said.
 
The festival is part of the town’s founding anniversary celebration, which is anchored on the theme: “Embracing Change, Rebuilding Legacy and Aspiring Greatness.” (JCR/AMB/PIA Pangasinan)