SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The La Union provincial government's Office of the Provincial Agriculture hosted the inaugural Pinakbet Cookfest at the Mabanag Grounds on Friday.

"This event goes beyond highlighting the harvest. It also demonstrates the creativity, innovation, and resourcefulness of our participants, who are predominantly women," said Sharon Villoria, the provincial agriculturist.
 
Contestants were judged on their faithful inclusion of key pinakbet ingredients like eggplant, bitter gourd, and tomatoes.

However, they were also encouraged to add their own flair through the use of additional ingredients.
 
The top prize of P10,000 went to the Bauang local government unit (LGU) represented by Uvas Cafe.
 
Their winning recipe incorporated a unique element - guaple wine, a local product.
 
The LGUs of Bangar and San Fernando City secured second and third place, receiving P7,500 and P5,000 respectively.
 
All participating towns received a P3,000 consolation prize.
 
Following the competition, attendees enjoyed a lunch featuring the winning pinakbet dish alongside other local delicacies prepared by participating cooks. (JCR/AMB/KJCR/PIA La Union)