Manila, Philippines – The Department of Tourism (DOT), in collaboration with Slow Food Communities and various stakeholders, proudly showcased the Philippines’ rich culinary heritage on the global stage by leading the country’s delegation to the world-renowned Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2024 in Turin, Piedmont, Italy, from September 26 to 30, 2024.
This biennial international event, the largest of its kind, attracts over 600 exhibitors from around the globe and features workshops, conferences, and food tastings that promote good, clean, and fair food practices. The 2024 edition served as a platform to highlight unique food cultures with a focus on sustainability and the preservation of culinary traditions.
“The Philippines’ participation in Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2024 is a significant moment as we present the richness of our food traditions to an international audience. Our delegation reflects the strength and passion of our local communities, with each member working to promote the use of native ingredients and sustainable agricultural methods. Our involvement underscores the nation’s commitment to integrating sustainable agricultural practices into the tourism experience, aligning with the global movement toward food sovereignty,” said DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
A Showcase of Regional Cuisines and Heritage Dishes
The Philippine Pavilion featured signature dishes and heritage cuisine from various regions, including Cavite, Bacolod, Negros, Capiz, Aklan, Panay, the Cordilleras, and other areas in Luzon and the Visayas. Guests savored heirloom recipes such as Inasal, Adobo, Sinigang, Kinalabasa, and Kinilaw, along with the distinctive flavors of artisanal products like heirloom rice, native vinegar, and Philippine artisanal salts. Philippine coffee also took center stage, highlighting the country’s coffee trails and slow food community experiences.
For five days, the Philippine delegation engaged audiences through interactive workshops, panel discussions, and immersive food tastings, while top-tier chefs and culinary experts prepared special menus that blended traditional and modern techniques. The featured resource persons shared insights on sustainable food practices, heritage recipes, and the role of indigenous ingredients in promoting biodiversity.
Philippine Pavilion: A Crowd Favorite
The Philippine booth was among the most popular in the international pavilion, consistently drawing large crowds of event-goers eager to learn about the Philippines’ food culture and sample its diverse offerings. The booth became a hub for food enthusiasts to experience the best of Filipino cuisine, sample artisanal salts, sip on innovative Philippine cocktails, and enjoy the country’s world-renowned coffee. The delegation also took the opportunity to promote the Philippines’ leading tourist destinations directly to consumers and fair attendees, presenting a holistic view of the country’s vibrant culture and sustainable tourism offerings.
Strengthening Global Partnerships
A delegation of 90 farmers, chefs, restaurateurs, and advocates for good, clean, and fair food represented the Philippines at Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2024. These individuals embody the heart of the country’s agricultural and culinary sectors, each dedicated to showcasing the richness and diversity of Filipino food traditions while promoting sustainable practices.
Among the key activities that highlighted the Philippines’ participation were the talks and panel discussions on sustainable tourism and food systems. Resource speakers from the Philippines, including renowned culinary experts and community leaders, were featured in several panel discussions to share the country’s progress and insights on sustainable agriculture, food sovereignty, and Slow Food Travel initiatives.
Bacolod Launched as Slow Food International Hub for Asia and the Pacific
A key highlight of the Philippine participation was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) designating Bacolod City, Negros Occidental as the official hub of Slow Food in Asia. This milestone solidifies the Philippines’ role as a leader in the Slow Food movement within the region, championing biodiversity, food sovereignty, and fair food systems.
“The Philippines has one of the most organized Slow Food networks in Asia, and our delegation underscores our commitment to championing our unique food heritage and sustainability. We are excited to foster global partnerships not only in promoting good, clean, and fair food, but also in developing and promoting Slow Food Travel. With Bacolod recognized as a Slow Food International hub for Asia and the Pacific, we aim to further elevate the country’s status as a key player in sustainable food systems and place the Philippines at the forefront of the global movement toward Slow Food Travel and sustainable agriculture, providing a platform for regional collaboration and innovation,” Secretary Frasco added.
The DOT also announced its bid to host Terra Madre Asia Pacific in the Philippines in 2025, making it a convergence venue for the Asia Pacific region.
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The Philippine booth attracts large crowds at the international pavilion, offering a taste of Filipino cuisine, artisanal salts, innovative cocktails, and renowned coffee, while also promoting the country’s top tourist destinations and sustainable tourism to attendees.
Department of Tourism (DOT) delegation at Terra Madre led by Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso (fifth from left), Tourism Attaché Gerard Panga, Western Visayas Regional Director Krisma Rodriguez, and Cordillera Administrative Region Regional Director Jovi Ganongan.
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