Farm pest takes centerstage in cookfest

TUGUEGARAO CITY: Once regarded as a farm pest, the rice eel, (Monopterus albus) locally known as "kiwet," took center stage at the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 2 (DA-BFAR 2)-led Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordinating Division's first Rice Eel Cooking Contest on Thursday, September 22.

The cooking competition aims to showcase various recipes that can be developed from kiwet aside from the traditional way of preparation for a wider acceptance among the non-eel-consuming population, Dr. Evelyn C. Ame, national eel coordinator, said during the cookfest.