BACOLOD City – A coconut-filled bread locally known as “salbaro” has been recognized by the City of San Carlos in Negros Occidental as a heritage delicacy.
Mainly made of flour, sugar, and grated coconut, it is placed on banana leaves and baked in an open-top oven fired by coconut husks.
Dr. Archilles Ponferrada, head of the Heritage for Culture and the Arts Council, said “salbaro” is a “food trademark” of the city being sought by both the locals and tourists.
It is an heirloom of more than a century, making it a part of the city’s culture and heritage, he added.
Ponferrada said he hopes business-minded locals will continue to make the traditionally-cooked bread.
“There are still those who love to eat this native delicacy, especially when paired with coffee,” he added.
Engineer Magnolia Antonio, city planning and development coordinator, said this month’s celebration of the National Heritage Month should help preserve and conserve the city’s local heritage.
“‘Salbaro’ has been the locals’ favorite and we hope the cooks will continue making this since the new generation of locals and tourists are now giving it attention,” he added.
This year’s National Heritage Month, themed “Pamanang Lokal: Binhi ng Kulturang Pilipino”, highlights the importance of preserving and promoting local heritage within a community and its impact on shaping Philippine cultural identity.
The celebration also seeks to strengthen people’s consciousness, respect, and love for the legacies of Filipino cultural history. (PNA)
