Culinary Festival in Cidra showcases value of vocational education

 Vocational schools from Cayey, Comerío, Guayama, Aguas Buenas, Cidra and Aibonito participated in the Second Culinary Festival 2026, as well as schools specialized in fine arts and music in the Caguas educational region.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Department of Education, through the Regional Educational Office (ORE) of Caguas, and the Municipality of Cidra held the Second Culinary Festival 2026 over the weekend, an initiative that highlighted the student talent in the department’s Occupational and Technical Education programs and reaffirmed the joint commitment to academic, creative and economic development of the region.

The event was held in the Plazoleta de la Casa Alcaldía de Cidra under the concept “Aromas that guide, flavor that honors occupational teaching,” bringing together students and teachers of culinary and pastry arts from various vocational schools, along with artistic presentations and technical exhibitions that demonstrated the comprehensive training that young people receive in public schools.

The festival had the direct support of the Municipality of Cidra, which collaborated in the logistics and organization, thus strengthening educational initiatives that positively impact the school community.

“Occupational and technical education continues to demonstrate that it is a powerful tool for transformation and economic development for our students,” Education Secretary Eliezer Ramos Parés said, while highlighting the scope of the activity and the value of the municipal alliance. “This Culinary Festival evidenced the extraordinary talent that is cultivated in our public schools and the commitment of our teachers.”

Cidra Mayor Delvis Pagán Clavijo said: “Our government supports the Department of Education because we understand that these spaces complement academic training and open opportunities for our students.”

“We are committed to keeping our young people active outside of school hours, involved in projects that allow them to discover and strengthen skills in technical, vocational and occupational areas,” he added.

Recognitions were also given to district legislators, who have consistently supported occupational and technical programs as key instruments for regional development and the preparation of the workforce of the future.

Vocational schools from Cayey, Comerío, Guayama, Aguas Buenas, Cidra and Aibonito participated, as well as schools specialized in fine arts and music in the region.