By Lou Ellen Antonio

LALA, Lanao del Norte (PIA) --Twenty barangay representatives here showcased different carb dishes in a cooking competition during the celebration of the 73rd Araw ng Lala and 21st Alimango Festival.

Some dishes featured during the festival are Native de Alimango, Buttered crabs, Ginataang Alimango, Crab Teriyaki and Crab Salad, Chili crabs and Coconut milk, Crab Sweet and Sour and Crab and Chicken Meat delicacy.

“Tungod sa pandemic wala mi kacelebrate before ug Alimango Festival. Lipay jud tanang katawhan sa lala na nabalik na ang araw sa lala ug alimango festival,” said Eden Obando from Barangay Tenazas cooked sweet and spicy crabs. 

[Because of the pandemic we were not able to celebrate Alimanho Festival. We are glad that we finally celebrate Araw ng Lala and Alimango Festival again.]

Meanwhile, Mayor Angel "Tata" Yap said that they were not able to celebrate for two years because of the pandemic. 

"Previously naa ta sa level 3, wala jud na mag-expect na makacelebrate ta. Pero niabot ang level 2 atleast gitagaan tag time na makacelebrate. Pero ang atong activities giwala nila wala giapprove. Pero nalipay kog dako kay 2 years mi wala ka celebrate sa araw, at least nakacelebrate nami karong tuiga,” he said.

[Previously we were at Level 3, we didn't expect to be able to celebrate. But when we reached level 2, at least we were given time to celebrate. But our activities were limited because it was not approved. But I'm very happy that we finally celebrated it this year.]

Moreover, according to Stephen Balatero of the Municipal Agriculture Office, there is a 100-hectare area for crab fattening located in nine coastal barangays.

Up to 8.40 tons of crabs are also produced annually in the municipality intended for the local and international markets. (LELA/ PIA Lanao del Norte)