by Christine Lyn G Viajante

MACABALAN, Cagayan de Oro City (March 31) – Highlighting fisherfolk women’s creativity in recipes showcasing the versatility of local seaweeds in Northern Mindanao, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10) closes the 2025 National Women’s Month (NWM) celebration with an exciting Seaweed Cooking Contest, here in the Bureau’s compound, today.

Participants across the region prepared one-of-a-kind seaweed-based dishes, flaunting the produce’s nutritional value and market-to-profit potential.

A sweet take on the commodity took the competition’s championship title.

Lanao del Norte’s “Seaweed Pie” by Marcializa Jacala impressed the judges with its remnants of the province’s famous coconut ‘buko’ pie.

The rich flavor, nutritional benefits, and profitability of the seaweed pie gave the recipe an edge among four other contestants. 

The product’s crispy crust paired with a creamy, seaweed-infused custard filling set it apart from the competition, making it both a unique and familiar dessert to many.

Leading the runners-up was Misamis Oriental’s “Seaweed Muffin,” Jema Cajella’s delicious and healthy take on a classic pastry. It integrates the subtle umami taste of seaweed into a soft, moist muffin.

Seconded by the crowd favorite – Misamis Oriental’s “Seaweed Crunch” (kropek style) by Elma Entice. This is a crispy, nutrient-packed snack to munch on anytime, anywhere, made from pureed seaweed and rice flour, perfectly paired with a ‘sinamak’ vinegar.

This was followed by Camiguin’s take on a mini sushi roll by Beneranda Labarro. Also known as “Chickweed Roll”, this steamed finger food is a savory one-biter packed with an umami punch, thanks to the blanched seaweed mixed with chicken bits in a blanket of seaweed sheet.

All of the contestants used Kappaphycus alvarezii or elkhorn seamoss as their main ingredient. Locally known as ‘guso’, this seaweed is widely produced in Region 10, and has been a typical source of fiber and iodine to families throughout the region.

Fisherfolk, mostly in the coastal areas of Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental, cultivate this seaweed species for sustenance and livelihood.

The contest not only honors the ingredient, but also promotes the economic potential of seaweed-based products.

The event served as a fitting conclusion to the Bureau’s observation of the 2025 National Women’s Month, recognizing the essential role of women in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. (CLViajante//BFAR-10)