Chefs from the municipality of Viga triumphed in the first-ever Siram Catanduanes: Isla Kulinarya Competition held as part of the 81st Catanduanes Foundation Anniversary last Oct. 26-28, 2026.
Bryan Aquino and Albert Ibatuan showcased their culinary creativity, ingenuity, and appreciation for their hometown’s cuisine to beat 1st runner-up Rosemarie Tolledo and Merle Tellada of LGU Gigmoto and 2nd runner-up Geronimo Tapas Jr. and Melchor Tapia Jr, of LGU San Miguel.
Aligned with the Department of Tourism’s thrust to promote gastronomy tourism and recognize Filipino cuisine as an integral part of the country”s tourism experience, the competition highlighted the richness of Catanduanes’ food heritage and brought local flavors to the forefront of tourism consciousness.
The initiative seeks to strengthen the connection between food, culture, and tourism while creating opportunities to showcase local products and culinary talent.
In the Ginikanan: Culture, Arts, & Heritage Showcase at the Capitol lobby, the 11 municipalities installed creative presentations and exhibits that highlighted their respective traditions, identity, art and stories that collectively shape the Catandunganon identity.
In a friendly competition, LGU San Andres won for the best exhibit, followed by LGU Bato and LGU Panganiban.
At the three-day 81st Catandungan Foundation Trade and Agri Fair, LGU Caramoran narrowly won the Best-Dressed Booth award over LGU Bagamanoc, with LGU San Andres as 2nd runner-up.