SORSOGON CITY (PIA) — Chefs will gather in Barangay Pamurayan, Sorsogon City, on May 29, 2025, for the second “Tahong Festival,” where they will prepare up to 21 mussel-based dishes.
These dishes will be served on a 400-meter-long table set up in the middle of the street in Pamurayan for a boodle fight.
Xyla Janoras, the chairperson of Pamurayan Sanggunian Kabataan, said that “the event will have a positive impact on tourism, as Pamurayan will become known to tourists for its tahong (green mussel) dishes, attracting more visitors to come here.”
Janoras emphasized that the two-week event, set to begin on May 18, could significantly enhance Pamurayan’s economy.
Increased consumption of tahong due to rising tourist arrivals is expected to drive local demand and create more job opportunities for residents, she said.
To improve locals’ cooking skills for green mussels, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Department of Trade and Industry will conduct skills training during the festival.
“Through this skills training, we can further develop the tahong industry, particularly in terms of increasing supply. The more people who cook tahong, the higher the demand for it, which means more livelihood opportunities and greater income for residents,” said Janoras.
Punong Barangay Arles Janaban expressed his aspiration to gain recognition for his barangay and its resources, not only throughout the Bicol region but also across the Philippines and beyond.
“That’s why this initiative will not stop here. We plan to introduce more tahong dishes for those who visit our barangay. In fact, we are considering the suggestion from our partners to create a tahong ice cream,” said Janaban.
He believes that the skills training has enhanced the capabilities of the residents of Pamurayan, allowing them to learn new skills and explore economic opportunities.
Karen Sambajon, a resident, also expressed her enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing that it could greatly benefit their livelihoods.
“We’re excited because it helps us learn new skills and different ways to cook tahong. Even while staying at home, we can support our families and earn extra income for ourselves,” Sambajon said. (PIA Bicol/Sorsogon)
Cover photo:
Trainee Karen Sambajon shows with pride the product of her learning during the Training on Food Processing conducted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Department of Trade and Industry for the residents of Brgy. Pamurayan (Photo: James Bagalay, PIA 5/Sorsogon)
