The Chef Junior “Tradición Manabita Creativa” competition was held at the Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí, Bahía de Caráquez extension. The event was organized by the Coordinación Zonal 4 de Educación, Deporte y Cultura and brought together students from six technical high schools in the provinces of Manabí and Galápagos.
Participants included students from Ciudad de Jipijapa, Cultura Machalilla, Jama, Diana Esther Guerrero Vargas, Rocafuerte, and Ignacio Hernández (Galápagos) educational units. The competition served as a platform for these students to showcase their culinary skills and creativity as part of an educational exchange aimed at strengthening technical and professional training.
Around 500 people attended the event, including students, teachers, officials, and members of the public. The contest promoted collaborative learning and pride in local gastronomy among participants.
Rocafuerte Educational Unit won first place in the competition. Ignacio Hernández took second place while Diana Esther Guerrero Vargas secured third. Winners received trophies, medals, study scholarships, and financial incentives in recognition of their efforts.
Maximiliano Nuñez Tomaselli, coordinator of Zonal 4 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.”
Student participant Alis Párraga Vélez commented: “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.”
The Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to supporting technical education as a way to promote practical learning and contribute to national development.
