“We eat correct food…”

Thus Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, DD, Archbishop of Davao, emphasized based on healthy diet during the seminar of all parish cooks last June 18, 2013, Tuesday, at the Archbishop’s Residence.

Abp. Valles calls in all parish cooks for a half day seminar on how to prepare healthy food in their respective parishes.

Rona, a cook of Sta. Ana Shrine Parish, was the earliest to arrive at 7:25 A.M. saying: “ nisayo ko kay hadlok ko ma late kay first time pa nako ni anhi sa Archbishop’s Residence.” She felt excited to learn “labi na nga mibalik na si Fr. Sixto, syempre ang health sa mga pari.”

Alice of St. Joseph Parish in Sasa was the second one to arrive through the text message direction of his parish priest since she did not know where the Archbishop’s Residence is. She was hoping “nga tudloan ug dugangan ang among kahibalo sa pagluto.”

In his opening Mass Abp. Valles stressed the big role that each cook play saying that, “mga datu kaayo kita…sa paghigugma ug pagserbisyo…” which he quoted from the letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians.

The seminar was facilitated by Ms. Marina A. Tan Du, CPA, MBA. She presented special techniques on how to prepare a less oil, less cholesterol food. She also taught how to cook food without using oil in order to prevent some illnesses caused by fats which may lead to hypertension and heart attack.

The participants were amazed at the cooking strategy she presented. They liked the taste and the procedure to prepare it.

After cooking the entire recipe, all of them ate in the presence of the Archbishop.

The Archbishop gave his inspirational message to them saying that we need to eat the correct food always. That is the main objective of this seminar.

He added that if priests like to eat meat always, the parish cook becomes the instrument for them to learn how to eat good and healthy food such as vegetables and fruits. He plans to continue the program.

The participants were very happy with their learning. They went home full of inspiration, that they may be able to apply in their own parishes. (@dcherald)

By Sem. Rusty Corsame/Contributor