By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter
Adams, Ilocos Norte—The gastronomic delights in this growing ecotourism destination of the northeastern part of Ilocos Norte got even better in luring tourists as homestay owners, food vendors and wine makers got a taste of a culinary workshop here.
Sponsored by the Department of Tourism (DOT), at least 39 members of the indigenous peoples (IP) in a small community of Adams town composed of only one village graduated from a two-day Kulinarya Workshop held August 1-2, 2019 at the town’s gymnasium.
Chef Jose Ramlo Villaluna, a tourism advocate and resource speaker of the DOT’s pioneering culinary workshop in the province, said the unique food being offered in Adams such as pinikpikan (beaten chicken stew), dinakdakan a susop (banana blossoms with grated coconut), balbalosa (a miniature eggplant only found in Adams), and other exotic edible plants and vegetables are already delectable but it can become even more enticing if presented with a touch of artistry.
Aside from teaching them about the basics of food safety and sanitation, food styling and table arrangement, participants were tasked to apply what they learned in actual cooking demonstration and simulation at the end of the training on Friday afternoon.
After the lecture, they also underwent written exams particularly on food recipe and costing, menu planning and banquet service, among others.
Elian Ligaoen, one of the participants who had no professional training on culinary arts, said the workshop is essential to further improved her cooking skills and in dealing with local and foreign guests.
As a homestay owner, Anavic Medrano lauded the tourism department for their continuing support to them.
“Tourism is indeed the main source of our local revenues as we solely depend on internal revenue allotment share. We are grateful to the government especially the DOT for their endless support to us,” said Ms. Medrano as she is also the town’s budget officer.
She shared the road going to their place is already accessible by four-wheel vehicles unlike before when the only mode of public transport was a single motor vehicle that has to pass through hanging bridges.
With around a 3,000 population, Adams town is known for its cottage industry and fruit wines.
Its relatively cold weather as it is nestled deep in the mountains surrounded by streams, waterfalls and rice fields makes city dwellers stay longer in this relatively peaceful community.
This is why the national government continue to improve access roads leading to potential tourism spots and Adams town was lucky to be included in the list in Region 1.
According to the Adams Tourism Council, tourists have been coming in bigger numbers since the road going to Adams has been paved.
Araceli Salem, acting head of the DOT Laoag sub-office, said in an interview that they will continue to empower local communities like Adams with huge tourism potential.
“Your role in the tourism industry distinguishes itself by its potential to manage the tourist experiences and implement the goals of responsible tourism. What you present takes effect on the way in which your customers experience and understand the Filipino food and to our local dishes,” said Salem in her message to the participants during their graduation ceremony.
Residents here are thankful for the continuous improvement in their municipality as they welcome every tourist to enjoy what they have in a village paradise called Adams.