Bulacan's Provincial History, Arts, Culture, and Tourism Office (PHACTO) recognized the preservation and promotion of Bulacan’s culinary heritage during the Gawad Haligi ng Kalutong Bulakenyo Award held at SM City Marilao on Friday, April 28.
PHACTO head Dr. Eliseo Dela Cruz honored the members of Bulacan’s culinary heritage for their outstanding contribution to the province’s culinary dishes and recipes that have been part of the province’s identity for years and centuries.
Among the recipients were Bulacan Food Historian Milagros Enriquez and her niece Rheeza Hernandez, who popularized heirloom recipes like Hamon Bulakenya and Gurgurya as well as the vanishing folk art of puni (palm leaf folding).
Dela Cruz said Bulacan cuisine is more than just a collection of recipes; it is a representation of the province's rich history, traditions, and way of life.
He said that from the humblest family meals, and grand banquets to community festivals, the flavors and ingredients used in the cuisine reflect the province's diverse influences, unique identity, and rich cultural heritage.
This year, in the age of globalization, the celebration of Filipino Food Month in the province takes a deeper look at the culinary scene as it highlights the iconic dishes and best culinary offerings through the “Delectable Flavors of Bulacan”.
The Delectable Flavors of Bulacan is a campaign of the Provincial Government of Bulacan under PHACTO in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Municipal Office of Marilao, Richwell Colleges, Incorporated, and SM City Marilao.
Anchored on the Presidential Decree 469 signed in 2018, the campaign aims to preserve, enrich, and promote while ensuring the transmission of the vast Filipino culinary traditions and treasures to the future generation. It is also poised to support various local food industries, small-scale producers, and the agriculture sector of the province.
Giant kakanins measure 3x3 meters and yield 2,000 servings for guests to enjoy for free during the event.
The giant kakanin (rice cak) serves as a kickoff ceremony to Marilao’s Kakanin Festival.
“We are proud to be one of the partners of PHACTO’s Delectable Flavors of Bulacan,” SM Assistant Vice President for Mall Operations Ana T. Datu said.
In Datu's welcome remarks, she emphasized the significance of the celebration in preserving and promoting Filipino food culture, particularly among the youth, in the midst of the increasing popularity of international cuisine and globalization.
Gracing the event were Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando, Bulacan Vice Governor Alex Castro, Department of Tourism Regional Director for Region III Dr. Richard Daenos, Marilao Mayor Henry Lutao, Marilao Vice Mayor Jun “Bob” Dela Cruz, Provincial Tourism Head Dr. Eliseo Dela Cruz and Provincial Administrator Antonette Constantino. Sharing honors are SM Assistant Vice President for Mall Operations Ana Datu, SM City Marilao Assistant Mall Manager Engr. Janette Aguilera and Marilao Tourism Officer Ricardo Manalo.