DOT Region 02 Conducts Validation for Isabela Culinary Crawl Circuit
The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 02, in partnership with the DOT Central Office and the Provincial Government of Isabela through the Isabela Tourism Office, successfully conducted a two-day site validation activity on May 5–6, 2026, in preparation for the development and upcoming launch of the “Majestic Isabela: Culinary Crawl Experience Circuit.”
The activity covered key destinations across the province, including Cauayan City, Angadanan, Cabatuan, City of Ilagan, and Cabagan, with the objective of assessing and refining potential culinary tourism sites and experiences that will form part of the circuit.
While Isabela is widely recognized for its iconic Pansi Cabagan, the province’s culinary identity extends far beyond a single signature dish. Blessed with rich agricultural resources and deeply rooted food traditions, Isabela offers a wide variety of culinary experiences—from cassava-based delicacies and cacao products to corn-derived cuisine and heritage dishes such as moriecos and inatata. These unique food assets hold strong potential for tourism development through immersive and experiential offerings.
The “Majestic Isabela: Culinary Crawl Experience Circuit” aims to position the province as a dynamic and diverse food destination by linking local eateries, farms, heritage sites, and food producers into a cohesive and market-ready tourism route. Through this curated culinary journey, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the flavors, stories, traditions, and people that define the cultural identity of Isabela.
The validation activity followed a structured two-day itinerary designed to assess culinary experiences, visitor engagement, and overall tourism readiness.
The first day commenced with a local lunch experience at Aling Luring’s Gotohan in Cauayan City, where participants were introduced to traditional comfort food highlighted by its signature dish, Serkele. The team then proceeded to Hacienda de San Luis for a cassava roll demonstration, food tasting, and heritage tour that provided deeper insight into the province’s culinary traditions and history.
The day concluded at Valdez Integrated Farm in Angadanan, where participants explored local cacao and coffee production processes, complemented by a demonstration and tasting of the farm’s traditional Dendelot/Binallay delicacy.
The second day featured a farm and heritage food trail across several municipalities and city, further showcasing the province’s diverse culinary landscape.
The activity opened in Cabatuan with a moriecos-making demonstration and tasting, followed by a visit to DA-CVRC and Mangi Food House in the City of Ilagan, known for its innovative corn-based cuisine. Participants also witnessed an inatata cooking demonstration, highlighting another treasured local specialty.
The itinerary then transitioned into farm-based tourism experiences, including visits to Jeaox Breeding Farm and the production facility of Mr. Moo’s Dairy Products, where the team gained insight into local agricultural practices and dairy production.
The activity concluded in Cabagan with a demonstration of the province’s renowned culinary icon, Pansi Cabagan.
Throughout the two-day activity, the validation team conducted on-site assessments focusing on food quality, authenticity, visitor experience, accessibility, sanitation, safety standards, and the overall capacity of each site to accommodate tourists. The activity also served as an avenue for collaboration and dialogue among local government units, tourism stakeholders, food entrepreneurs, and community members in refining and strengthening the culinary circuit.
Through this initiative, DOT Region 02 continues to advance the development of sustainable and market-ready tourism products that celebrate local culture, empower communities, and create meaningful visitor experiences.
Once launched, the “Majestic Isabela: Culinary Crawl Experience Circuit” is expected to further strengthen Isabela’s tourism industry by promoting its rich culinary heritage, supporting local enterprises, enhancing community livelihoods, and positioning the province as one of the premier culinary destinations in the Cagayan Valley Region.#