NMP Filipino Food Fair held on 26 April 2022 at the Multi-purpose Building, NMP Training Complex, Cabalawan, Tacloban City

Tacloban City – As the nation celebrates the Filipino Food Month in April, the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) showed its participation with the conduct of the Filipino Food Fair last 26 April 2022 held at the NMP Multi-purpose Building.

Significantly, aside from being part of the activities for NMP’s 44th Founding Anniversary, the Filipino Food Fair was likewise conducted in support to the Presidential Decree No. 469, adopted in 2018, declaring the month of April of every year as Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino or Filipino Food Month, aimed at conserving and promoting the vast culinary traditions and treasures of Filipinos while supporting the local industries, farmers and agri-consumers.

Various local suppliers participated the event showcasing the local products and native delicacies and products that the region is known for. Among the local sellers who participated were the residents from Barangay Cabalawan, Mhai Delicacies Store, Althea’s Kitchenette/Lala’s Delight and some members of the NMPSA.

In her welcome message, Ms. Grace Marie T. Ayaso, Head of the Maritime Research and Development Division (MRDD), the host division of this year’s anniversary celebration, shared that the Filipino cuisine is recognized in the international culinary field being ranked the 19th in the whole world. She also reminded everyone to appreciate what we eat every day –Lutong Pinoy/Lutong Pilipino and give equal gratitude to those who prepare it.

“Masarap talagang maging Pinoy,” Executive Director Joel B. Maglunsod expressing his appreciation saying that tasting and experiencing the delectable Filipino cuisine will surely make us feel proud being a Filipino.

The Filipino Food Fair showcased not only the delicious Pinoy foods but also presented the traditional courtship dance of Leyte and Samar, called the “Kuratsa,” in a dance number from selected job order workers of NMP and was later joined by ED Maglunsod and other employees.

With the intention to transmit the knowledge of our rich culinary history, traditions and resources to younger generations, the Junior High School students of the Tacloban City National High School (TCNHS) were also invited through their Principal, Dr. Ma. Delia E. Soria. The group of forty-seven (47) students who participated, accompanied by their class advisers, were shown an informative video of the various native delicacies and products of Eastern Visayas.

Further, recognizing the opportunity to create awareness and provide new learning in the maritime field, an educational tour was facilitated to students on the different maritime training equipment and facilities of NMP, with an orientation from the training staff to give them an overview of its uses and functions.

The NMP trainees were also encouraged to participate in the activity and enjoy the luscious foods and native delicacies.

Meanwhile, NMP continues to implement the online and blended modes of training, as well as face-to-face trainings with the observation of the MARINA approved Post-Enhanced Community Quarantine Operational Plan and other health and safety protocols imposed.

For more information about NMP trainings, interested stakeholders may visit the NMP website at www.nmp.gov.ph/ or https://register.nmp.gov.ph/ to register online, while NMP’s ongoing and completed researches may be accessed through the e-Research Portal at https://research.nmp.gov.ph/.