SANTA RITA, Pampanga — Only a handful of families in this town continue the rare and intricate craft of making Duman. Among them is the Cuenco clan of Barangay Sta. Monica. Their story begins with Lola Maria, passed on to Inang Julia, and now carried forward by Alvin Cuenco, the third generation keeping the fire of tradition alive.
As the number of Duman-making families grows smaller, the value of this heritage grows even stronger. Duman is not just a seasonal delicacy. It is a legacy. It is patience, culture, and ancestry rolled into grains that shimmer like gold.
“I want to continue the tradition and preserve the quality of Duman here in our hometown,” Cuenco said, a simple line carrying the weight of three generations and the hope of more to come.
He is not standing alone. The local government of Santa Rita is all-in for the preservation of their treasured craft. Under the leadership of Mayor Reynan Calo, the municipality issued Executive Order No. 005 which strengthens the protection of the Kapampangan Duman Tradition.
The ordinance supports Duman farmers, secures the cultural identity of the town and fuels Santa Rita’s ambition to place Pamagduman on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
“Through the efforts of Mayor Reynan Calo, he immediately released an executive order to support Duman farmers,” says Earl Tongol, Santa Rita LGU administrative consultant.
Quick, decisive, and rooted in pride. Santa Rita knows what it must protect.
This is community spirit at its finest. Families who keep the craft burning. Leaders who fight for its future. A town that rallies behind the legacy it refuses to lose. That is the Santa Rita signature.
As preparations rise for the Duman Festival, the excitement builds. Duman is more than a Christmas treat. It is culture harvested by generations and safeguarded by a community that knows its worth.
On Dec. 6, 2025, the celebration comes alive at the Santa Rita de Cascia Parish Church Grounds starting at 4 PM, followed by “Alang Imposibli The Musical” performed by Arti Sta. Rita at 6 PM. An evening crafted to honor heritage in every sense.
When the town gathers once more, Santa Rita reminds the world that Duman is not just a product. It is a treasure. It links the people to their culture, their history and their shared heart.
Golden grains. Golden tradition. Golden Santa Rita.
