The Banangan Women from Banangan, Sablan, Benguet, made significant strides in their community through entrepreneurship and craftsmanship, showcasing their culinary talents during the 7th CICM Friendship Meet held from 19-23 February 2024, in Saint Louis University. This event did not only highlight their skills but also emphasized the importance of local women in fostering community engagement and economic development through innovative food products and traditional recipes.
The Banangan women featured their unique and delectable homemade Ube jam and the innovative Ube banana turon which quickly became crowd favorites among the attendees, particularly the students accommodated at the Devesse Building during the week-long event. The food products not only delighted the participants’ senses but also reflected the local flavors and culinary traditions of the Banangan community.
The participation of the Banangan Women in the 7th CICM Friendship Meet did not only serve as an economic opportunity but also presented a platform for cultural exchange and empowerment. The Banangan Women gained valuable product exposure while preserving their cultural tradition through the support of SLU’s Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) department and SLU’s Community Extension and Outreach Programs Office (CEOPO).
This initiative is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 11), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12).
