The Cordillera region is celebrating its rich culinary heritage with the 6th Mangan Taku Food Fair, held at the Rose Garden in Burnham Park, Baguio City. Organized by the Department of Tourism-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) in partnership with the City Government of Baguio and the Department of Agriculture-CAR, the event runs from April 24 to 28, 2025, aligning with the national observance of Filipino Food Month.
“Mangan Taku,” meaning “Let’s eat” in the Kankana-ey language, brings together traditional Cordilleran dishes and innovative culinary creations. The fair features a variety of indigenous foods from the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province. Visitors can enjoy local delicacies such as kiniing (smoked meat), pinikpikan (a traditional chicken dish), and etag (salted pork), among others
The opening ceremony was graced by notable figures including Dr. Marie Grace T. Pascua of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), culinary heritage advocate Nina Daza Puyat, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Baguio Representative Marquez Go, and DOT-CAR Regional Director Jovita Ganongan. A highlight of the event was a live cooking demonstration by Chef Sharwin Tee, who prepared an “All-Purpose Kiniing Sauce” served over Pao Fan, blending traditional smoked meat with modern culinary techniques.
The Mangan Taku Food Fair was institutionalized by City Ordinance No. 81 in 2019 and supports Proclamation No. 469 issued in 2018, which declares April as Filipino Food Month. This initiative aims to promote the appreciation and preservation of Philippine culinary traditions, ensuring their transmission to future generations and supporting local industries and agricultural communities.
The fair is open daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM until April 28, inviting everyone to experience the unique flavors and cultural heritage of the Cordillera region.
