Visitors and residents of Asingan, Pangasinan came together to enjoy more than 700 trays of native rice cakes during the celebration of the Kankanen Festival on Saturday.
According to Mayor Carlos Lopez Jr., the town’s 21 barangays, 27 schools, and 10 civic organizations worked hand-in-hand to produce the trays, known locally as “bilao,” filled with different varieties of “kankanen.” In less than 30 minutes, all the native delicacies were consumed.
“Everybody’s excited to taste the different kankanen. This year, aside from biko (‘inkalti’ in Ilocano), there are also suman, palitaw, tupig, latik, puto, bitso-bitso, and others,” Lopez said. He noted that residents requested the addition of “tupig” to the lineup, as three barangays — Dupoc, Baro, and Domampot — are known for producing and selling this specialty.
Last year’s festival showcased over 500 trays, but the number grew this year, reflecting the growing enthusiasm of the community. Mayor Lopez emphasized that the festival serves as a thanksgiving for the industry that supports many Asingan families and highlights the town’s vibrant food culture beyond its well-known corn, rice, and carabao’s milk produce.
The “kankanen” are traditionally made using sticky rice (malagkit), sugar, and either coconut milk (gata) or fresh carabao’s milk. “Nagbigay ang munisipyo ng tig-dalawang litro ng fresh carabao’s milk to each participant. Ibang-iba ang sarap ng kankanen ni iniluto sa gatas ng kalabaw,” Lopez shared, noting that the milk was sourced from the Bantog Samahang Nayon Cooperative.
Currently, Asingan has about 384 milking carabaos, including younger ones expected to produce milk within two years. To further promote local “kankanen” producers, Lopez said a section of the public market has been converted into a dedicated kankanen and bakery area, making it easier for tourists and visitors to find these traditional treats.
Started by the Department of Education in 2011 and officially adopted by the local government in 2019, the Kankanen Festival celebrates the town’s culinary heritage. It paused during the pandemic in 2020 and resumed in 2022.
Following the Kankanen Festival, Asingan is also preparing for its Carabao Festival on April 30, featuring a parade of carabaos in colorful costumes, a cooking demonstration of various carabao meat dishes, and a showcase of carabao milk byproducts. These events are organized with the support of the Bantog Samahang Nayon Cooperative and the local government.