TADIAN, Mt. Province (PIA) — Unique flavors from the 19 barangays of Tadian in Mountain Province delighted both locals and visitors during the indigenous dishes partaking at the Ayyoweng di Lambak ed Tadian 2025 Agro-Industrial Trade Fair opening on March 6, 2025.
Among the foods highlighted are the “pinikpikan”, a popular Igorot comfort food, “gaki” or crabs, “sabunganay” or banana blossom dishes, “bissukol” (snails), and “pising” (taro), among others.
Municipal Agriculturist Mary Aida Sulipa shared that the activity aimed to highlight the diverse culinary traditions of each barangay, using locally sourced ingredients.
“Nan purpose nan partaking of the indigenous dish ket tapno adi kuma mamaid nan nay indigenous dish tapno maiparaman da isnan new generation, et part di culture tako na, datako ed sina Tadian et datako paylang manmenmentinar, mensusustain isnan nay partaking di indigenous dish, as part of the opening of the Agro-industrial trade fair,” Sulipa explained.
(The purpose of the indigenous dish partaking is to let the new generation tastes these traditional dishes so that it will not disappear. This is part of the culture of Tadian, and we are maintaining and sustaining it as part of the agro-industrial trade fair.)
She added that through this event, they hope to identify a dish that distinctively represents Tadian’s identity.
“One of the purpose of the partaking of the indigenous dish ket tapno kuma makaanap tako si identity di Tadian ay esa ay dish, uray esa ay dish that we are known for,” she said.
(One of the purposes of the partaking of the indigenous dish is to look for a dish which represents the identity of Tadian.)
Food enthusiasts marveled at the variety of dishes, expressing their appreciation for the unique gastronomic experience and hoping that this flavorful tradition continues.
“Masarap, super adventurous siya sa taste, flavorful, iba ‘yung taste niya sa common food na tinatake natin every day. We hope that the youth will learn to cook these dishes kasi it’s part of cultural preservation, kasi these indigenous dishes are part of our culture, so I want the youth to learn and experience this adventurous culture of Tadian,” Mayrylle Kye Marrero, a Sangguniang Kabataan shared.
Irvin Jade San Jose, a youth mobilizer, also acknowledged the importance of food exploration.
“At least nafeature ‘yung food para mas maappreciate ng iba. Mas maexplore pa sana, hindi lang indigenous recipes, kahit adopted ‘yung mga recipes, may nagagawa tayo sa mga local products natin, and more,” she said.
This year’s Ayyoweng di Lambak ed Tadian festival carried the theme, “Sustaining i-Tadian Identity: Imbibing, Demonstrating Love and Pride for our Culture and Tradition.” (JDP/CVBT-PIA CAR)
