For the first time, representative residents from select Negros Oriental municipalities and cities competed in a “Carabeef-Based Cooking Contest” held last October 17 at the PAO compound, Dumaguete City. The term ‘Carabeef’ is a portmanteau of the words carabao and beef.

“We want to promote carabeef as a staple ingredient for dishes that can be served in every household in our province,” Provincial Agriculturist Nestor Villaflores said.

The said cooking contest is part of the Organic Farm Family Congress and Agri-Fair with the theme “Negros Oriental: The Landscape of Organic Opportunities” that happened from October 16-18. It is among the highlights of Buglasan 2019 celebration.

Buglasan is dubbed the “Festival of Festivals” in the Philippines and is annually done in Negros Oriental.

In the cooking contest, Alyssa Marie Partosa’s Carabeef Carmelized with Pineapple, emerged as the winning dish. Her dish brings a fusion of sweetness and tinges of spicy sensations to the palate.

Partosa represented the town of Zamboaguita. She faced eight other participants from Guihulngan City, Binday, Tayasan, Tanjay City, Sibulan, Basi City, Valencia, and Sta. Catalina.

Some of the dishes showcased using carabeef are steak, burger, caldereta, and veggie rolls. All were evaluated by food gurus Pepita Villacora, Angelina Bondad, and Tessie Lazaro.

Provincial Governor Roel Ragay Degamo led the opening of the Organic Farm Family Congress and Agri Fair.

Guests from the Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Training Insitute VII-Central Visayas, and LGU-Negros Oriental staff are also present in the event.

PCC and LGU-Negros Oriental’s joint endeavor

“This event marks the onset of our initiatives in meat production geared towards its penetration in the province’s market,” said Ariel Abaquita, Center Director of PCC at La Carlota Stock Farm (PCC@LCSF), which covers Negros Oriental.

According to Center Director Abaquita, results of Carabao Value Chain Analysis (VCA) revealed that around 16,000 carabaos are being exported out of the island annually. He noted that this proves the great potential of carabeef production as a good source of income in Negros.

Both him and provincial agriculturist Villaflores knew each other even before the latter assumed his current position. Back then, Villaflores who used to work in the Provincial Veterinary Office worked hand-in-hand with PCC in the upgrading of carabaos through artificial insemination. Thus, when Villaflores was tapped by PCC@LCSF, he did not hesitate to partner with the center in the promotion of carabeef.

“In the 1990s, people started the practice of mixing cattle’s beef with carabeef. They viewed carabeef as inferior and was sold for a lower price, hence, they would pass it on as beef to earn more,” Villaflores shared.

Meanwhile, apart from the cooking contest, PCC spearheaded a symposium, wherein Victor Geroche of PCC@LCSF presented PCC’s mandate and services.

“As per VCA results, it was reported that PCC@LCSF is a center that can engage with stakeholders for meat, milk, draft, and hide production. As a whole, we aim to promote carabao-based livelihood throughout the province, with the help of the LGU-Negros Oriental,” Center Director Abaquita said.

Future plans

Villaflores shared that hopefully by next year, the cooking contest will be an even bigger event. He stated that they plan to amp up the prizes as follow: first prize, a carabao ready for breeding; second prize, a heifer; and third prize, a yearling.

He added that the Provincial Agriculturist Office aims to conduct an information, education, and communication campaign to impart knowledge and entice residents to engage in carabao raising for carabeef production.

Dr. Eric Palacpac, chief of PCC’s Knowledge Management Division, shared that Negros Oriental is among the provinces selected for the Carabao Value Chain Improvement Network (CVIN) project which is supported by the office of Senator Cynthia Villar. He noted that the province through PCC@LCSF is set to receive Php 10,000,000 for the purpose.

Procurement of some 40 head crossbred carabaos for distribution to farmers’ cooperative along with provision of other support services are in the works.