Craving for a unique twist on a beloved Filipino delicacy?

Look no further than the Linubian Festival in Rosario, La Union!

Celebrating alongside the town's 155th founding anniversary, the festival runs from April 17 to 26, 2024.

Traditionally made by pounding cassava (kamoteng kahoy) in a giant mortar and pestle (alsong and al-o), the linubian is getting a makeover.

This year, the festival goes beyond the staple ingredient, embracing the town's agricultural bounty.

The town of Rosario, renowned for its agriculture, features other root crops like taro (gabi), sweet potato (kamote), and purple yam (ube) in the Linubian recipe.

"We're encouraging farmers to showcase their produce. Including other root crops creates new opportunities for their livelihood," Rosario Vice Mayor Bellarmin "Red" Flores III told the Philippine Information Agency.

This innovation not only benefits farmers but also caters to modern palates seeking exciting flavors.

“This year, we decided to innovate the Linubian recipe. Consumers today crave for new flavors, and our festival embraces this trend by featuring different root crops in Linubian. It's a perfect way to celebrate Filipino food while showcasing the variety our farmers produce," Flores said.

Rosario La Union gets creative for their 17th Linubian Festival as it celebrates both the festival and the town's 155th founding anniversary. Locals are making linubian with ube (purple yam), and kamote (kamote) adding a unique twist to the traditional recipe. (Photo Rosario, La Union LGU)

The Linubian Festival aims to change the perception of root crops as "poor man's food." 

By transforming them into delightful Linubian variations, the festival elevates their value.

The inclusion of various root crops also encourages residents to get creative. 

A public Linubian-making competition allows participants to personalize flavors and ingredients, fostering social engagement and cultural immersion.

Categories in the competition cater to barangay representatives, civil society organizations, non-government organizations, farmers’ associations, parent-teacher associations, and any interested private groups.

The schedule of the 2024 Linubian Festival in Rosario, La Union, as posted on their official facebook page. (Photo Rosario, La Union LGU)

The festival also features the much-anticipated return of Binibining Rosario, the town's local pageant, after a five-year hiatus.

Eighteen young women representing Rosario's communities will compete for the crown.

The festival is also expected to draw in tourists, boosting the income of local businesses and producers.

"Supporting local products benefits the town's revenue and empowers small businesses," Flores said.

(JCR/AMB/REB/PIA Region 1)