Over 42 “lechons” (roasted pigs) were showcased in a
competition at the municipal government complex in Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur to
highlight its 48th Founding Anniversary on September 9.
Committee on lechon festival chairman Protacio Elmidulan,
Sr. said the ‘lechon’ festival was held for the first time in the
municipality.
“The festival was the first of its kind in the province
where barangays and government offices joined the activity,” Elmidulan remarked.
Elmidulan said he conceptualized the festival to show to
the people that Midsalipnons are best
‘lechon’ makers and to provide bystanders the opportunity to taste crispy
‘lechon for free.
Elmidulan said the Liga ng mga Barangay has actively
supported the festival which made the celebration a success.
Each entry was chopped for the judges to taste
where the lechon’s skin crackled at their every bite.
Cash
prizes for winning entries were as follows: For the inter-barangay category,
first prize - P5,000, second, 3,000, and third, 2,000.00. For the cluster category, first – 3,000,
second, 2,000, and third, 1,000.00. While the non-winning participants received
P1,000 each.
Barangay
Guinabot was adjudged first in the Inter Barangay category, while barangays Timbaboy,
second and Canipay Sur, third respectively. For the Cluster category – first, Cluster 13 (DepEd),
second, Cluster 9 (Sanggunang Bayan), and
third, Cluster 12 (DepEd ).
“Because we are confident of the superior taste of our
lechon, we will make the festival a yearly event in our municipality,”
Elmidulan announced.
The festival
was participated by 33 barangays and 9 government offices. (JPA/GCC/PIA9-Zambosur)