Catmon town to launch Budbod Kabog Fest in February

The municipality of Catmon will launch next month the first-ever "Budbod Kabog Festival" in a bid to promote its being one of interesting destinations in northern Cebu through the town's delicacy, the "budbod kabog."

"Budbod kabog" is a kind of "suman" made from millet (Panicum miliaceum), a small yellow grain with mild, sweet flavor.

There are instances though that residents may opt for glutinous rice or substitute rice with sweet potato, which explains why budbod kabog has been described in so many ways.

Budbod kabog is cooked in coconut milk and sugar, wrapped in banana leaves and boiled again in thin coconut milk. It is best when dipped in hot chocolate and eaten with slices of ripe mangoes.

According to town planning officer Nelson Ares who is also designated as public information officer, Mayor Estrella Aribal, Vice Mayor Avis Monleon and the members of the municipal council agreed to launch the festival next month in time for the town's fiesta celebration in honor of patron saint, San Guillermo. This is in response to the challenge Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano had posed.

During Durano's latest visit in Catmon, he challenged the town officials to launch a festival that would promote the town's delicacy, and assured Aribal he would provide financial assistance to the town.

Ares also said that the festival would at the same time boost the livelihood of residents engaged in making "budbod kabog". Also, Durano vowed to provide financial assistance to these small-scale entrepreneurs so they could improve on the quality of their product.

Provincial Board member Agnes Magpale, chairman of the committee on tourism, has also endorsed the festival as a means to promote the tourism industry in Catmon. - Jose P. Sollano