By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – Barangay Montilla in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, highlighted native chicken as its primary product during its 67th annual fiesta to boost the local economy.
Dubbed “Barrio Fiesta,” the village held its first native lechon manok and food festival on Feb. 11 to showcase local products.
Barangay Montilla Kagawad Romulo Fajardo Jr., who conceptualized the event, said the goal was to promote the abundance of native chicken and other village products.
Fajardo said the barangay’s annual celebration began in 1958, eight years after its establishment in 1950. It is currently led by village chief Nenita Alconera.
The barangay consists of puroks Paho, Lubi, Caimito, Sab-a, Kasoy, and Langka, as well as sitios Kabayabasan, Manaol, and Tiguisan.
Fajardo said the event was designed to bring together residents from different sitios to celebrate, share food, and strengthen community ties.
He added that the festival could help attract visitors and boost local pride.
“Our barangay has many skilled cooks, and most residents raise native chicken. So why not promote our own?” he said.
Fajardo noted that talented locals, especially those skilled in roasting native chicken, had the opportunity to showcase their abilities to a wider audience.
“This is a chance to prove that even though we live in the mountains, we have so much to offer,” he added.
Purok Paho won the best native lechon manok award and was named overall champion among the nine participating puroks, receiving a PHP3,000 cash prize.
Purok Lubi won the table setup contest and placed second, earning PHP2,000, while Purok Kasoy ranked third and received PHP1,000.
Other participants received PHP500 consolation prizes.
During the opening salvo on Feb. 10, the barangay also launched its official soundtrack, “Saka, Montilla.”
Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo expressed support for the barangay’s initiative and commended the community for promoting local products.
