By Rod G. Asurin

 

BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – The distinct flavors of Cordillera indigenous cuisine will once again take the spotlight as the 7th Mangan Taku Cordillera Food Fair opens from April 23 to 27, 2026, at the Rose Garden, Burnham Park.

Organized by the Department of Tourism-Cordillera (DOT-CAR) in partnership with the City Government of Baguio, the event is part of the celebration of Filipino Food Month and carries the theme “Preserving Traditions, Sustaining Flavors.”

DOT-CAR Regional Director Jovita A. Ganongan said the food fair highlights the Cordillera’s rich culinary heritage through authentic dishes, traditional cooking methods, and locally sourced ingredients.

“This is dedicated to the rich culinary heritage of the Cordilleras, authentic flavors that define our region’s identity. We will have all provinces participating,” Ganongan said.

Now on its seventh year, Mangan Taku will feature 46 exhibitors, which include slow food communities and local food enterprises from the different provinces of the Cordillera, along with selected participants from Regions I and II, showcasing the wider Northern Luzon food landscape.

Visitors can expect a wide range of indigenous food, from highland vegetables to traditional delicacies prepared through time-honored methods such as smoking, fermentation, and curing.

Ganongan emphasized that food is a vital part of Cordillera identity.

“When you taste Cordillera food, you also get a glimpse of our culture. Food is part of our heritage,” she said.

To make the experience more interactive, the Mangan Taku Food Crawl will return, allowing guests to explore booths using a food passport. A minimum purchase of P200 per booth earns stamps, and visitors who complete at least 10 stamps may receive simple tokens from the organizers.

The Cookfest will feature community cooks and professional chefs presenting Cordillera-inspired dishes using indigenous ingredients and traditional techniques.

Ganongan encouraged the public to visit and support local producers.

“We invite everyone, residents and tourists, to join us in exploring and celebrating the flavors that connect us to our roots while supporting our local farmers and MSMEs,” she said.

The five-day fair aims to promote cultural preservation, strengthen local enterprises, and celebrate the living culinary traditions of the Cordillera. (JDP/RGA-PIA CAR, Baguio City)