LEGAZPI CITY—At 62, Cresidia Peñol of Rawis, Donsol, Sorsogon never imagined that a humble dish from her hometown would carry her to the pinnacle of the Walang Gutom Program (WGP) Kusinero Cook-Off Challenge during the Innovations Roadshow Caravan of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office V – Bicol Region.

Seared with a dream filled with heritage and a ladle full of love, she stirred her way into the spotlight not just proving that it’s never too late to chase her dream, but to be celebrated for such a win.

“Sa edad kong ito? Manalo ako ng ganito?!” Peñol exclaimed, still reeling from her victory as the regional champion. “Pasalamat ako kina Ma’am and Sir, binigyan nila ako ng [pagkakataon]. Isa ito sa mga pangarap ko sa buhay. First time ko [lumahok sa cooking competition]! Kaya malaking pasasalamat ko na merong ganito (WGP kusinero cook-off challenge).”

Her dish, the Kinunot na Tapas, was hailed as the winning dish among four others: Pumpkin Fried Rice, ‘Ginataang Tabagwang,’ ‘Okoy Veggie Bites in Sweet Chili Glaze,’ and ‘Pinasustansiyang Tinolang Manok sa Buko.’

“May halong pagmamahal yung niluto ko. May halong pagmamalasakit. At maipagmamalaki ko na ang Donsol, meron palang ganitong (Kinunot na Tapas) luto,” she beamed when asked about her inspiration for making such dish.

Aside from the title and the chance to participate in the national cook-off as the Region V’s representative, Peñol will be receiving P15,000 livelihood assistance from the Sustainable Livelihood Program.

Tapas for Kinunot

Peñol’s take on the traditional kinunot dish is not just nutritious, but also promotes the protection and preservation of marine life. The town of Donsol, Sorsogon has long been known for its rich marine life and diversity, as it is the only place in the region where whale shark sightings have been consistently recorded. Along with this is the town’s beloved kinunot dish that was traditionally made with shark meat.

However, due to the danger it poses to whale sharks and the marine ecosystem, various laws have also been enacted to protect their lives and, in the hope of reversing the endangered status of whale sharks.

As a fellow fisherfolk, Peñol thought of a way to ensure that the tradition of kinunot making lives on, without sacrificing the lives of sharks and whale sharks.

“Mangingisda din kasi kami at dahil endangered na (whale sharks), ito pong tapas, seasonal lang po kaya hindi siya kilala,” she shared. “Ngayon naisip kong mag-experiment. Dahil sa Walang Gutom, nakakapag-experiment ako sa supply nila na mga sangkap kaya malakas ang loob kong mag-try. [Sinubukan] kong (gawing) kinunot yung tapas,”

With rich coconut milk, malunggay leaves, and a punch of chili along with the other ingredients received from the monthly food redemption of the program, her Kinunot na Tapas is more than a reinvention; it’s a quiet revolution.

“Kaya ginawa kong kinunot yung Tapas. Para maipakilala sa buong mundo at hindi na mahuli ang mga pating o kaya butanding, ngayon meron [ng] alternative fish, para makilala rin ang Tapas,”

‘May halaga pala kami’

For Peñol, becoming a beneficiary of the Walang Gutom Program is more than just a food assistance by the government. It is a chance to live a sustainable life with sufficient food supply that almost equates to having life’s most luxurious possession.

“Malaking bagay yung binibigay nila (WGP), nakakatikim yung mga apo ko ng mga prutas, nakakatikim ng karne, manok. Yan ang binibigay sa amin kaya malaking pasasalamat ko sa programang ito dahil at least, hindi maipagbibili, makakain talaga ng buong pamilya,” she recounts with such elation.

Ever since her family became a beneficiary of the program, they have been able to eat foods that they don’t normally get to eat. Fruit becomes a treasure, and being able to eat chicken and pork meat on a usual basis sends a humble impression that life eventually gets better.

“Kaya malaking pasasalamat ko sa programang ito dahil mas mae-enjoy yung benefits kasi kung pera, pwedeng gastusin sa ibang bagay, pero dito sa WGP, walang gutom talaga!”

With a dream born out of a mother’s love and compassion for those who need protection, she takes pride not just in the dish her humble town once cherished, but her identity as someone who came from the less privileged sector of society.

“Maraming salamat sa DSWD! Talagang binibigyan nila ng pagkakataon kaming mga nasa laylayan ng lipunan, tinataas nila. Binibigyan nila ng halaga. May halaga pala kami kasi binibigyan nila kami ng inspirasyon na hindi kami magutom.”

As Peñol readied for the national cook-off challenge set on July 25, 2025 in Pasay City, she brings with her the heart and compassion of a mother and a soon-to-be-recognized pride of Donsol, Sorsogon: Kinunot na Tapas.