W. Visayas rural farmers showcase rice-mix recipes in ‘Pinasarap na Kanin’ cooking challenge

In support of one of the key messages of this year’s National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM), which encourages the public to consume rice mixed with other staples such as adlay, corn, banana, taro, sweet potato, and cassava, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas held the Pinasarap na Kanin Cooking Challenge on November 5 at the Western Visayas Integrated Agricultural Research Center in Jaro, Iloilo City.

Six teams from the provinces of Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo prepared their rice-mix dishes, which were judged based on taste and nutritional value (40%), visual appeal (30%), originality and creativity (20%), and overall presentation (10%).

The Ginataang Bake Talong Rice Toppings with Filipino Style Paella by Susan Tespoer and Brenda Hansson from Sibunag and San Lorenzo, Guimaras, won first place, and received a cash prize of P10,000.00 and a 60-liter capacity electric oven.

Meanwhile, Melrose Panganiban of Malinao and Jerry Yturiaga took second place with their dish, No Bake Rice and Lasagna with Samosa, and received P7,000.00 in cash and a 3-liter capacity air fryer. Barbara Venus and Jacqueline Faderon from Dumalag, Capiz, placed third with their recipe, Rickma Arrez Concaldo with Veggie Balls and RMS Blend, and were awarded P5,000.00 in cash and a multi-purpose rice cooker. Non-winning participants each received P3,000.00 and induction cookers.

The cooking challenge aimed to showcase the various recipes that can be made from rice, the Filipino staple. NRAM promotes four key messages:

Adlay, mais, saba, atbp. ay ihalo sa kanin
Brown rice ay kainin
Kanin ay huwag sayangin
Dapat bigas ng Pilipinas ang bilhin

NRAM, celebrated every November by the DA under Proclamation No. 524, series of 2004, seeks to raise public awareness about rice-related issues. This year’s celebration emphasizes the #HalfCupFullHeartChallenge, which encourages the public to consume a half-cup of rice to reduce wastage.###