VM Bebot Rodriguez graces Kumbira 2024

Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, together with 2nd District Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez, COHARA President Jeffrey Limbonhai, Misamis Oriental First Lady Linda Unabia, Chef Norbert Gandler, Chef Sandy Daza, Chef Gene Gonzales, Department of Tourism (DOT) Assistant Regional Director Decius ‘Yoyong’ Esmedalla, members of the 20th City Council, and former Kap. Jonjon Rodriguez, attended the opening of KUMBIRA 2024 at the Limketkai Atrium.

Now in its 28th year, Kumbira 2024, organized by the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA), adopts the theme Keeping Traditions, Brewing Innovations to “support promote and share the cultural heritage, experience, and knowledge with every Kagay-anon, Mindanaoan, and Filipino”.

With Kumbira, COHARA envisions to address the challenges faced by the modern-day culinary industry such as rising prices, tough competition, and high expectations by promoting best practices, innovative techniques and sustainability, he added.

It may be recalled that VM Bebot sponsored the prelude activity dubbed, "Hala Kumbira," which kicked off at Ayala Centrio Mall last August 16, 2024 to celebrate the flavors of local cuisine and Cagayan de Oro’s flourishing coffee culture.

Kumbira – the longest running culinary festival in the Philippines – featured 50+ exhibitors and more than 300 participants from different regions.