VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — The town of Nagbukel in Ilocos Sur province grabbed first place in the Nutrition Month cooking contest held at the Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center in this city on Wednesday, August 23.

The cook fest was conducted by the nutrition office under the Provincial Health Office (PHO) of the provincial government of Ilocos Sur as part of the culminating activity for Nutrition Month with the theme: “Healthy Diet Gawing (Make It) Affordable For All.”

The Nagbukhealthy, as the representative chefs from the said town call themselves, served a simple menu that was strictly based on the Pinggang Pinoy.

Josie Bumactao, the leader of the team said, “Ang ginawa namin [ay] iyong talagang araw-araw na inihahain sa hapag-kainan ng pamilyang Pilipino – Iyong mga sangkap na nasa bakuran o pwedeng itanim, kasi hindi naman lahat ng tao ay may pambili.”

“Kailangan kasi sa Pinggang Pinoy, may isda, gulay, at prutas. Kaya ang menu ko ay paksiw na isda, tapos ginawa kong salad iyong mga gulay, may okra, sitaw, talbos ng kamote, at talong. Ito kasi iyong mga mataas sa bitamina at talagang maraming nutrients na mukukuha,” she explained.

Her team emerged on top among 16 representatives from various local government units in the province. 

They won a double-burner gas stove, a gas tank, and a cash prize which she mentioned she would use to pay for her children's tuition fees.

For this, she expressed her thanks to the PHO and the provincial government. 

Moreover, in his message during the event, Governor Jeremias Singson commended the PHO headed by Dr. Trina Tabboga-Talaga for the conduct of the activity and for helping to nourish the holistic health of the citizenry.

Meanwhile, the cook fest was simultaneously conducted with the Kadiwa ng Pangulo and the Buntis Fair with 600 attendees who were all provided with kits, free check-ups, and other services. (JCR/AMB/MJTAB/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)