GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Tampakan municipality held a second exhibition of their longest grilled chicken dish in Soccsksargen, known as “Dapla Tampakan 2024,” to celebrate the town’s 55th founding anniversary and the 21st Lumalay Festival, which ran from June 15–21.
“Lumalay” is an acronym for “Lubi, Mais, Palay” (coconut, corn, and rice), which are the town’s primary agricultural products.
Twenty-five contingents from the municipality’s farmers’ associations, chicken producers, and civic organizations participated in grilling over 1,000 chickens along the 200-meter stretch of the town’s Pines Avenue on June 21.
Tampakan Mayor Leonard “Junjun” T. Escobillo graced the event to show support and highlight the town’s growing poultry industry.
Escobillo said the event was a testament to their dedication to supporting local producers. Tampakan is regarded as one of the largest poultry producers in South Cotabato province.
“For a long time, we have looked for something that represents Tampakan. With this event, people will associate chicken dapla with Tampakan,” said Escobillo.
“Dapla” means to lie face down with arms and legs extended. It involves splitting a whole chicken (or pig, goat, or cow) in half and roasting it spread-eagled between steel or bamboo poles, or on a grill.
In contrast to traditional lechon, this method roasts all sides, resulting in a crispier, tastier, and less greasy dish.
According to Escobillo, Tampakan plans to strengthen its partnership with government agencies like DOST and DOT to develop products and promote tourism.
Nelia Arina, DOT regional director in Region 12, assured the agency’s support for the municipality’s tourism-related initiatives.
‘I Love Tampakan Lambayong Twin Hills United Farmers’ emerged victorious from the 25 contingents in the Best Tasting Chicken Dapla competition.
On June 15, Tampakan achieved another milestone by breaking the world record with a mass pedicure event at their municipal covered court.
The town claimed the Guinness World Record for “Most Pedicures Given in 8 Hours” from Toronto, Canada, recording 1,223 pedicures, surpassing Toronto’s 2015 record of 1,083.
The event highlighted the beauty care skills and knowledge of Tampakan scholars from a government-run institution that provides beauty and self-care services. (Genory Vanz Alfasain/DOT 12/PIA SarGen)
