In a vibrant celebration of culture, food heritage, and community learning, members of the Lions Club of Singapore Paterson and volunteers took part in a meaningful cultural immersion at Dreamweavers Hill in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato—home of the iconic T’nalak weavers. The event was warmly supported by Honorable Mayor Remie N. Unggol of Lake Sebu and Municipal Tourism Officer Dr. Jennifer Tupas, who welcomed the visitors with genuine hospitality.

The immersion showcased the rich culinary traditions of the Maguindanaoan and Tboli communities, whose dishes are deeply rooted in indigenous ingredients such as turmeric, ginger, coconut, native vegetables, and root crops. These foods reflect a way of living that is closely connected to the land and to community identity, where recipes form part of cultural practices, family bonds, and shared histories.

A meaningful highlight of the gathering was the exchange of food security knowledge between the Singaporean guests and the local communities. Local participants shared their traditional wisdom on how households can revive and bring back food sources that naturally grow in their own yards—herbs, vegetables, root crops, and native plants that have sustained their families for generations. This knowledge affirms the importance of accessible, locally grown ingredients that strengthen food security and resilience.

In return, the Singaporean visitors demonstrated how these same ingredients can be enhanced with creative preparation techniques, such as incorporating cruciferous vegetables or root crops into nutritious dishes. Their approach introduced new insights on maximizing nutritional value and diversifying meals in ways that local farmers and families can easily adapt. This mutual exchange allowed both groups to appreciate how communities can cultivate, protect, and elevate their food traditions. It also highlighted how sustainable practices, rooted in indigenous knowledge yet enriched by global perspectives, can help households maintain healthier and more resilient food systems.

Through initiatives like this cultural immersion, Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI) reaffirms that it provides access to knowledge on food security, sustainable agriculture, and culturally grounded food practices to local farmers and food producers. By encouraging exchanges that revive traditional food sources, promote sustainable household gardening, and introduce practical techniques for enhancing local ingredients, HCCCI strengthens its commitment to community empowerment and sustainable development.

This activity demonstrates how food—whether Maguindanaoan, Tboli, or Singaporean—serves as both a cultural bridge and an educational platform. It enables communities to share, learn, and sustain their food heritage while building stronger, more self-reliant, and more sustainable food practices for the future.