SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, CAMARINES SUR – In celebration of Filipino Food Month, the Department of Agriculture (DA)- Bicol staged the Kadiwa Master Chef Cook-Off on April 30, 2025 spearheaded by the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD).
Anchored on the theme “Sarap ng Pagkaing Pilipino: Yaman ng ating Kasaysayan, Kultura, at Pagkatao,” the cook-off challenged the participants to prepare a unique Bicolano recipe using squash as the main ingredient. The main ingredients were purchased from the DA Kadiwa stores.
The tandem from the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) namely Ramon Adversario and Angela Mae Lafuente were hailed as the champion with their unique recipe of mouth watering “Kalasilak” akin to “Kalamay but using mashed squash instead of glutinous rice, stuffed with fresh young coconut meat (buko), steamed in banana leaves, and served with crushed peanuts as garnishing. Adversario and Lafuente received P5,000 cash award and certificates of recognition.
The duo from the Integrated Laboratories Division clinched the second place and a Php 3,000 cash prize for their dish “Ala Queen Stuffed Squash with Kalabasa Strings”; while the Research Division garnered the third place, also receiving Php 1,500 for their Creamy Kalabasa sa Gata with Crispy Pork Belly.
The other participating teams were from the Administrative and Finance Division (Finger Finger Special; Regulatory Division (“Pekeng Beef”); Field Operations Division (Ginataang Kalabasa with a Twist); Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (Squashy Vege Balls Ala Nowards); and the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (Roasted Summer Squash with Soup). All of them received Php 500 as a consolation prize.
The panel of judges was led by Dr. Ramona Isabel S. Ramirez, Vice President for Research and Innovation of the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA); together with Prof. Lilia C. Pasiona also of CBSUA and Andronico N. Zaballa, a culinary professional from Palangon High School in Libmanan.
Top DA Officials led by Regional Executive Director Rodel P. Tornilla witnessed the cook off. The awards were given by cross-posted Regional Executive Director Engr. Jerry R. Eboña; AMAD OIC Chief Engr. Luisito Baltazar; and cross-posted AMAD Chief Lovella Guarin, all of whom emphasized in their messages the importance of preserving Filipino culinary traditions while promoting local food enterprises.
Through the Kadiwa Master Chef Cook-Off, DA-Bicol successfully celebrated the richness of Filipino cuisine—proving once more that food is not just sustenance, but a vibrant expression of history, identity, and pride. (By: Emie Jane B. Malonzo – DA RAFIS 5) (Photo credit: Z. Abogado – DA RAFIS 5)