Project KKK wraps up with fitting finish: Local stakeholders, partners, and volunteers came together

By Nicol De Jesus

It was a fitting finish for Project KKK-Kabuhayan para sa Kabutehan at Kalusugan as local stakeholders, partners, and volunteers gathered for the final day of celebration for this historic6-day project at Gawad Abanggayon Village, San Fernando last March 19, 2023.

Ms. Francisca Sabdao, Director of UNC Institutional Community ExtensionServices opened the event with an energizing statement, emphasizing the importance of the endeavor and encouraging the attendees to apply what they learned to their own benefit. Following with a touching message, Ms. Grace Pante, Community Development Coordinator of Gawad Kalinga Camarines Sur, expressed her gratitude for the chance provided to Abanggyon Village as such possibilities are not usually provided to them.

Also to give a message of thanks, Glenn Altea of Isarog Masonic Lodge 33, F&AM, expressed thanks to the sponsors and partners for their unwavering support.

While everyone danced to the well-known “I Love Mushroom” song written by the project’s volunteers, the area was energized. The guys from volunteer groups, sponsors, and partner organizations gave the dance their all, and Sir Kiko and Sir Everild stood out amid the group, assuring everyone’s admiration.

In the MUSHarap Cook-Off, participants were split into two teams: Team Kabeauty and Team Mushiram. Four dishes - pancit guisado with mushroom, tinolang mushrom, mushroom chicharon, and one special dish - had to be made by the participants in the allotted two hours.

The panel of judges, which included Ms. Sabdao of UNC ICES, from JCI Naga, Aryan Roi Cerio of Sergio’s Chili Products, from JCI Nagueña Ruth Dy Ng of Naga Creamy and Cheesy Baked Sushi, and Johann Gonzales of JMPV Kitchen, were all amazed by how creative and successful the participants were in preparing all their dishes and they also gave comments on how the participants could improve their cooking for the market.

After hours of cooking, it was finally time for the community salo-salo, a better pleasure for everyone, and to top it all off, Ar. Jennifer Espera brought her concept for the neighborhood’s refurbished mushroom house.

The moment everyone has been waiting for was announced and although both teams created stunning mushroom feasts savored by everyone, Team MUSHiram achieved a momentous feat as they became the first ever MUSHarap Cook-Off Champion. With this remarkable victory, their achievement was a testament for the passion and unwavering commitment to excellence.

To conclude the event, Edward Ortua from JCI Naga, Ruth Dy Ng from JCI Naguena, and Josh Manila MBA student from UNC gave their message of gratitude and hope. Everyone agreed that without the help of the volunteers, sponsors, partners, and, of course, the community, the project would not have been a success.

To end the program, the project co-chairs, Trisha-Marie Albeus and Everild Gerd Pablo, both shared their fond memories of the experience and expressed their gratitude as the project ended with overwhelming victory.

Present also at the location were Ateneo Film Society who captured the event with pictures and videos, which will surely be cherished as fond memories of the said project and Naga City Junior Jaycees who poured their hearts out as volunteers of the activity.

Overall, the remarkable day culminated in a beautiful display of camaraderie, accomplishment, and the potential for the local community to progress in a meaningful way. Everyone is grateful and enthusiastic about what lies ahead as well as the potential for the local mushroom industry to grow, leaving everyone with the message to continue to “Spread KABUTEhan to EveryJUAN.”