The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga’s Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP), in convergence with National Irrigation Administration (NIA) – Surigao del Sur (SDS) Irrigation Management Office, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), has conducted a 3-day Skills Training and Enhancement Program focused on the art of crafting rice delicacies.
The activity, which was carried out on November 20-22, 2024, is attended by the wives of farmers and members of the Irrigators Association from the municipalities of Tago and San Miguel in Surigao del Sur.
Filipino cuisine is renowned for its rich diversity, with rice playing a central role as the foundation of many beloved dishes. As a staple ingredient, rice appears in both savory and sweet forms, reflecting the country’s deep agricultural roots and vibrant cultural heritage.
Among the most popular rice-based treats demonstrated during the training program are suman (a sticky rice snack wrapped in banana leaves and sweetened with coconut milk) and puto (steamed rice cakes made from rice flour and coconut milk). These delicacies are often enjoyed as a side dish or dessert. Other treats prepared include espasol, palitaw, and moron, each with its own unique preparation and flavor profile, yet all showcasing the region’s inventive use of rice.
These rice-based delicacies not only highlight the culinary ingenuity of the Caraganons but also embody the region’s warm hospitality and community spirit. The delightful textures and rich flavors of these treats provide a perfect snapshot of the Caraga region’s culinary traditions, offering a taste of local pride and cultural heritage that is sure to be passed down through generations.
DSWD hopes that the said training would come handy to the participants and support their livelihood. EPAHP Caraga intends to come up with more convergent efforts that would help the farming comm
