Tinungbo Festival Celebrates Traditional Cooking Methods

According to information from the PIA, the Tinungbo Festival was held on January 22. The event celebrated “tinungbo,” a traditional cooking method using bamboo tubes over open fires. This festival aims to strengthen community bonds, support local livelihoods, and promote sustainable tourism.

The town of Pugo, La Union, hosted the Tinungbo Festival, highlighting a centuries-old cooking technique. Ingredients are placed in bamboo, seasoned naturally, and slow-cooked over wood fires. This method produces simple, earthy flavors that reflect the town’s connection to its land and resources. Councilor Marina Garcia noted that the preparation involves organic ingredients without artificial flavorings.

Much of the food featured at the festival comes directly from Pugo’s rivers and farms. Erlinda Padillo of Barangay Ambalite emphasized the importance of using local fish and garden vegetables, preserving ancestral traditions and reinforcing community ties. By utilizing locally sourced ingredients, the festival supports small-scale farmers and fisherfolk, promoting sustainable community development.

The festival included interactive cooking sessions where visitors learned from elders and local chefs. Participants prepared dishes such as “pinikpikan” and “tinuno.” Beyond culinary activities, artisans displayed wood carving, furniture making, and street dancing, showcasing Pugo’s artistry.

Mayor Geralyn Garcia Bulao stated plans to coordinate with local restaurants to offer “tinungbo” year-round, ensuring the tradition’s continuity and connecting visitors to the local culture. Artisans like Maria Lopez reported economic benefits from showcasing handcrafted products. The Tinungbo Festival is gaining recognition beyond La Union, celebrating heritage preservation, livelihood support, and Filipino culinary traditions.

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SOURCE: PIA