The third Sabor Victorias Cook-Off gathered students, parents, and teachers in a culinary competition held in celebration of the 12th Kalamayan Festival at the Victorias City Public Plaza on Saturday, December 13.
This edition of Sabor Victorias featured 10 teams composed of one parent, one teacher, and two students each, with five teams representing Victorias National High School – Canetown Annex Extension and another five teams from Victorias Milling Company Elementary School.
The activity aimed to strengthen community involvement and promote local culinary creativity, particularly among schools located near the VMC Compound, while providing students and their families an opportunity to showcase teamwork and innovation through cooking, a press release from Victorias City said.
Victorias Milling Company Inc., VMC Foundation Inc., and Victorias Foods Corporation President Engr. Linley Retirado expressed his gratitude to the participating schools and partners, emphasizing the company’s strong commitment to corporate social responsibility by supporting initiatives that preserve local culture and empower the community.
He highlighted the importance of promoting Victorias’ local projects, something the community can truly be proud of.
On behalf of City Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, City Tourism Officer Marian Rica Calseña thanked Victorias Milling Company for hosting the activity, noting that events such as Sabor Victorias align with the city government’s goal of enhancing and promoting Victorias City’s culinary culture.
In her message, Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Portia M. Mallorca thanked Victorias Milling Company for its generosity and continued partnership with DepEd Victorias, recognizing the initiative’s positive impact on learners, schools, and the wider community.
The cook-off was organized by the VMC Inc., VMCFI, and the VFC with all cooking ingredients provided free of charge to the participating teams.
Meanwhile, VMC Foundation Inc. Executive Director Eva Rodriguez said Sabor Victorias is a “cook fest for a cause,” as all proceeds from the food sales are returned to the participating schools as PTA funds to support school-based projects.
Participants were allowed to sell their prepared dishes to the public until 11 a.m., with the proceeds going directly to their respective schools. The team with the highest sales had their total earnings doubled through a matching amount from the VMC Foundation.
Group 4 emerged as First Place winner with their dish “VFC Garden Twist Taco,” prepared by Teacher Emeline Monge, Parent Colyn Ariba, and students Ghian Karlo Genovia and Tyler Tabanao from Victorias Milling Company Elementary School.
Second Place was awarded to Group 1 for their dish “Pizzetas,” prepared by Teacher Ma. Eda Padernal, Parent Cris Ann Bonda, and students Angel Nichole Frondoza and Saigel Poblacion, also from Victorias Milling Company Elementary School.
Group 3 placed Third with their dish “Victorias Sardines Fingers,” prepared by Teacher Riche Pinuela, Parent Ma. Fe Canales, and students Aira Mae Canales and Daniel Dane Maluya, likewise from Victorias Milling Company Elementary School.
Group 1 also received the award for Best Presentation and Creativity, while Group 6 was recognized for achieving the Highest Sales during the food-selling activity.
All participating groups received Special Appreciation Awards, with each member receiving P2,000, amounting to P8,000 per group.
Present during the activity were heads and representatives from the Schools Division Office of Victorias, along with personnel from Victorias Milling Company. *