The hidden culinary talents, creativity, and teamwork of City Government employees were on full display during the Bene Ya KUSIna 2026: The LGU Employee Edition Cooking Competition, held on Labor Day, May 1, at James Walter Strong Boulevard.
The event forms part of the 2026 Sakayan Festival and the 25th Charter Anniversary of Isabela City, spearheaded by the City Government of Isabela, under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, through the City Tourism Office headed by City Tourism Officer Claudio Montebon Ramos II.
In his opening remarks, CTO Ramos II greeted all employees a Happy Labor Day and expressed gratitude to Tau Gamma Phi Sigma, led by Councilor Alexes Ututalum, for their solidarity with the LGU and for providing breakfast at the Boulevard.
He also thanked the ‘KADIWA’ of the City Agriculture Office for bringing goods and fresh products from the fertile land of Isabela de Basilan, and highlighted that this is the 2nd cooking contest staged as part of the Sakayan Festival.
He emphasized the vital role of cuisine in tourism by asking, “Why do we advance culinary?”, and stated, “Because culinary and food are always, will always be part of tourist experience.”
“We’re hoping that our food will be part and will be known in the Philippine Landscape of Culinary. We are very fortunate because of our multicultural, diverse identity. Let’s enjoy. ‘Pagkain’ makes us happy”, he added.
The cooking contest featured two categories designed to test time management, creativity, and teamwork:
First Category: Sakayan Full Course Meal Challenge – Teams were given 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare a complete course consisting of 1 appetizer, 2 main courses, and 1 dessert. Dishes must represent Isabela City’s rich, abundant bounty, and the many undiscovered wonders of the city’s culinary heritage.
Second Category: The Mystery Ingredient Challenge – Upon collecting ingredients, teams were given 1 hour to create a dish using the secret ingredient, which was revealed through clues and exciting trivia.
Entries were judged based on nutrition, creativity, presentation, and cost efficiency, all reflecting the authentic Isabeleño cuisine.
The judges who ensures the fair and thorough evaluation were Municipal Tourism Officer of Sumisip and Business Manager of Bangsamoro Association Tourism, Lennie Handang; Executive Master of Disaster and Crisis Management, Janine Micah Vicente; Autilio Wong Ricablanca; and Inigo Roberto Pastor Roces.
The five participating clusters, with five members each, competed for culinary honors:
CLUSTER 1 – CGSO, City Veterinary, City Cooperative Development, and City Assessor’s Office (all-male team)
CLUSTER 2 – City Agriculture Office, CENRMO, Sangguniang Panlungsod, and City Engineering Office.
CLUSTER 3 – City Treasury Office, City Legal Office, City Accounting Office, City Budget Office, and City Planning and Development Office.
CLUSTER 4 – OCM: BPLO, Records Division, Security Division, LEDIPO, CHRMO, and City Civil Registry Office.
CLUSTER 5 – City Population Management and Development Office, CDRRMO, CHO, and CSWDO.
The culinary showdown will culminate in an awarding ceremony on May 2 at Isabela City Park, Barangay Tabiawan. The Champion will receive P20,000 and a plaque of recognition, while the second and third placers will be awarded P15,000 and P10,000, respectively. Consolation prizes and special awards will also be given to deserving participants.
Also present during the event were the supportive department heads from each LGU offices, Vice Mayor Ar-Jhemar “Nims” Ajibon, and IPMR Jamalul Habibun.
Through Bene ya KUSIna Cooking Competition, the City Government continues to champion the role of food in promoting tourism, celebrating identity, and strengthening the spirit of HAPIsabela. (Words by S. Angging/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
