• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
Ten participating teams from two schools in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, showcased the unique flavor of Victoriasanon at this year’s Sabor Victorias, a cookfest for a cause organized by the Victorias Milling Company Foundation (VMC) as part of the Kalamayan Festival 2025.
The event held at the public plaza, now in its third year, brought together teachers, parents, and students from VMC Elementary School and Victorias National High School–Canetown Annex, both located near the milling company.
VMC Administrative Officer Atty. Eva Rodriguez shared in an interview that the company provided all the ingredients used by the participants.
“They will cook innovative and unique menus that they have chosen, using VMC products. VMC supplied all the ingredients, including the accessories they needed,” she said. Participants were given two to three hours to prepare their dishes.
The cook fest aims to promote the use of VMC food products, encourage culinary creativity, strengthen community ties, and raise funds for beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, the dishes prepared will be sold to the public, with proceeds supporting school and community initiatives.
“Participants are allowed to sell their products at the plaza, and the sales will go directly to them, which they can use for their PTA projects,” Rodriguez added, emphasizing that “this event is truly for a cause.”
Last year’s cook fest featured participants from the city’s 26 barangays.
Linley Retirado, VMC President, expressed gratitude to the city government, stating, “We thank the local government for giving us the opportunity to showcase our products.”
Each participating group will receive an honorarium and tokens in addition to the prize awards.*
