By Joycel Lagrio, STRATCOM Correspondent

Mrs. Precious Jamorabon, a 34-year-old entrepreneur from Burgos, Ilocos Norte, clinched the top prize in the women’s category of the Garlic Masters – A Culinary Clash at the Garlic Festival 2025, held on April 10 to 11 at the MMSU Student Center in Batac City. Her winning dish, "Buttered Chicken with Garlic White Sauce and Mashed Garlic and Kamote with Stir-Fried Vegetables," impressed the judges with its creative blend of traditional Ilocano flavors and modern culinary techniques.

Owning and managing Vir-Hills Farm, Mrs. Jamorabon is no stranger to Ilocos garlic. Her passion for farming and cooking propelled her into the spotlight during this year’s competition, themed "Reinvigorating the Garlic Industry in the Ilocos."

The event aimed to showcase garlic's versatility in gastronomy, promote local garlic farming, and highlight culinary tourism and agribusiness opportunities. Mrs. Jamorabon’s dish celebrated the deep, rich flavor of native garlic, emphasizing its cultural significance.

Behind her success is a woman who balances the roles of farmer, mother, and community leader. Despite lacking professional culinary training, Mrs. Jamorabon’s years of hands-on experience in the kitchen and fields led her to victory. 

"This win is not just for me,” she said. “It’s for every woman in agriculture who dreams of being seen, of being heard—and for every Ilocano who believes in the power of our produce.”

In October 2024, Mrs. Jamorabon was appointed as one of the Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) in recognition of her expertise in swine production and processing. The Magsasaka Siyentista are farmers who utilize science and technology, including indigenous practices, in their farming operations. She is now a key figure in community development, sharing her knowledge with fellow farmers through initiatives like the Techno Gabay Program of the region.

The competition also saw the Federated Batac Rural Improvement Club (RIC) earn second place with their dish, "Spanish Bangus with Pasta." The group showcased their creativity by transforming locally sourced ingredients, including Ilocos garlic and fresh bangus, into a modern dish with traditional roots.

The 2025 Garlic Festival was co-organized by the Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic Resources Research and Development Consortium, various government agencies, local garlic associations, private sector sponsors, the Taiwan ICDF, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and other key partners.