Despite the seriousness of her duties and responsibilities as the second highest official in the country, Vice President Sara Duterte did not let that stop her from enjoying a boodle fight with Pangasinenses during the Kanen Festival in Urbiztondo, Pangasinan. Vice President Sara Duterte (center) graces the Kanen Festival and the 171st founding anniversary celebration of Urbiztondo, Pangasinan on Saturday, April 29. (OVP photo)
She was the guest of honor and speaker in the celebration during the town’s 171st founding anniversary and its Kanen Festival, which celebrates the town’s local delicacies. Duterte lauded the local government for putting importance on the livelihood of people, one of which was making local kakanin or native delicacies usually made with sticky rice and coconut cream. “Ang Kanen Festival ay napakagandang paalala na nagtagumpay ang Urbiztondo at nalampasan nito ang kahirapan na dala ng pandemya (The Kanen Festival is a very beautiful reminder that Urbiztondo succeeded and survived the difficulties brought by the pandemic),” she said. “Ipinakita nito ang katatagan, katapangan at kakayahan na muling itayo at protektahan ang yaman ng Urbiztondo at ng mga mamamayan nito — sa kabila ng kahirapan at pagsubok (This shows our resiliency, courage, and ability to stand up again and protect the riches of Urbiztondo and its people—despite the difficulties and challenges),” she added. During the festivities, a 65-meter long table along Rizal Street in Barangay Poblacion was filled with bibingka, latik, palitao, suman, turonket, unday-unday, sapin-sapin. These are all the local delicacies that Urbiztondo is known for. Duterte took the opportunity to share the Office of the Vice President’s Magnegosyo Ta ‘Day (MTD) project after acknowledging the importance of livelihood in sustaining a family’s day-to-day needs. The MTD empowers interested individuals to properly manage business and receive a starting capital for their desired venture. “Dito (MTD), pwede naming pondohan ang inyong mga programa at bibigyan kayo ng training o pagsasanay para matiyak na lalago at maging successful ang inyong mga negosyo (With the MTD, we can fund your programs and provide training or education to ensure that your businesses will prosper and become successful),” she told residents. Mayor Modesto Operania thanked the Vice President for joining the people in the celebration. “For the first time, no less than the Vice President of our country, is here to partake with us the native delicacies of our town. Isa po itong malaking karangalan (This is a big honor), Madam Vice President,” he said.