HEADLINES

First couple sweet as ever in Batac event

Jasper Dawang · Sep 12, 2026, 12:39 AM

FIRST Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos (rightmost) samples Ilokano-inspired vegetable dishes during the Natnateng Cook-Off in Batac City, Ilocos Norte. Cities and municipalities across the province joined the annual competition, turning locally grown vegetables into distinctive dishes celebrating Ilokano culinary heritage. — Photograph courtesy of pco

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos joined President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and their children at the Natnateng Cook-Off at the Imelda Cultural Center, where they sampled a variety of vegetable dishes prepared by participating municipalities and cities in Ilocos Norte.

The First Family toured the food displays and tasted dishes featuring locally grown vegetables and traditional Ilocano flavors as part of activities commemorating the 109th birth anniversary of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. on September 11.

There was a light moment when the President fed the First Lady a bite of one of the featured dishes, drawing smiles all around.

The public also had the chance to sample the food, with free tastings of the vegetable dishes.

The annual Natnateng Cook-Off brought together 19 municipalities and two cities, showcasing creative dishes made from locally grown vegetables and indigenous ingredients.

Ilocano dishes galore

Among the featured creations were Ti Hardin ni Nana Maria, Marungay Baraniw Pasta, Binungon nga Pinakbet, Garbage Roll, Breadfruit, Pinakbet Lasagna with Squash Purée and Crispy Bagnet Toppings, Curriwow Seafood Stuffed Vegetables, Dinengdeng: Uong, Sabong, Bulong, and Gastronomic Veggie Longganisa.

Other entries included Ilocanos Eggplant Lasagna and Camangeg in “Dolce,” highlighting how traditional Ilocano ingredients can be turned into contemporary dishes.

According to CJ Peregrino, organizer of the Natnateng Cook-Off, the event has been held annually since 2011 in honor of the former president and his fondness for vegetable dishes from Ilocos Norte.

“Every year, the Marcos family comes here. They enjoy the veggie dishes, especially Simon, who goes for seconds and even thirds,” Peregrino said.

Peregrino said this year’s edition introduced a competition among participating municipalities and cities to promote and elevate the local vegetable dishes.

“The difference is that we created a competition,” he said.

The event served as both a showcase of Ilocos Norte’s culinary traditions and a venue for residents and visitors to discover locally grown produce through creative vegetable dishes.