Which Philippine vegetable can be turned into a hat? Kuya Kim has the answer

Did you know that there's a vegetable that you can also wear as a hat?

It's called tabungaw, which is a type of squash or gourd ("upo" in Filipino). The term is derived from the Ilocano language.

On "24 Oras Weekend," Sunday, Kuya Kim said that it's also called tabungaw hat or kattukong.

And perhaps it may sound a bit absurd, but don't knock this vegetable hat! Teofilo Garcia, who makes this Ilocano headwear, was honored as a National Living Treasure Awardee in 2012 for making this Ilocano headwear. He is from San Quintin, Abra.

Dante Valdez, who plants the tabungaw in Canton, Ilocos Sur, sells the tabungaw to people who use them for hats.

"Wala naman talagang season ang tabungaw. Kapag masipag ka lang magdilig 'yun, pwede na po 'yun. Mas masarap 'yung pabilog. Matamis!" Dante said.

According to Joseph Pronuevo Jr., an agriculturist, some types of gourd are durable, and that's why they can utilized as utensils, decorations, instruments.

In India, a guitar-like instrument called veena is made from a gourd.

As a vegetable, it's rich in vitamins and minerals for the body. These include vitamin C, zinc, calcium, iron, and potassium.

In addition, it's good for digestion and helps prevent urinary infection and constipation.

—Kimberly Tsao/MGP, GMA Integrated News