The Chef Junior “Tradición Manabita Creativa” contest was held at the Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí, Bahía de Caráquez campus. The event was organized by the Zonal 4 Coordination of Education, Sports and Culture. Students from six technical high schools in Manabí and Galápagos participated, showcasing their culinary skills and creativity as part of a pedagogical exchange aimed at strengthening technical and professional training.
Participating schools included Ciudad de Jipijapa, Cultura Machalilla, Jama, Diana Esther Guerrero Vargas, Rocafuerte, and Ignacio Hernández (Galápagos). Around 500 people attended the event, including students, teachers, authorities, and members of the public. The contest provided an opportunity for healthy competition and collaborative learning while highlighting pride in Manabí’s gastronomy.
Rocafuerte Educational Unit won first place. Ignacio Hernández Educational Unit came in second, while Diana Esther Guerrero Vargas Educational Unit took third place. Winning teams received trophies, medals, study scholarships, and financial incentives to recognize their effort.
Maximiliano Nuñez Tomaselli, Zonal 4 Coordinator of Education, Sports and Culture said: “El Bachillerato Técnico es una apuesta estratégica para formar jóvenes con competencias reales para la vida, el trabajo y el emprendimiento. A través de espacios como Chef Junior fortalecemos talentos, vocaciones y oportunidades para nuestros estudiantes.” (“Technical High School is a strategic bet to train young people with real-life skills for life, work and entrepreneurship. Through spaces like Chef Junior we strengthen talents, vocations and opportunities for our students.”)
Participant Alis Párraga Vélez stated: “Este concurso nos motiva a creer en nuestras capacidades, a aprender haciendo y a sentir orgullo por lo que somos capaces de lograr desde el Bachillerato Técnico.” (“This contest motivates us to believe in our abilities, to learn by doing and to feel proud of what we can achieve through Technical High School.”)
The Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening technical education as a way to promote comprehensive youth development through practical learning that contributes to the country’s productive and social progress.
