ILOILO City – The international gastronomy scene has witnessed a remarkable entrant from the Philippines. Iloilo City has been officially designated as a Creative City of Gastronomy and has now joined the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities Network (CCN), a list that encompasses hundreds of cities around the world recognized for their cultural contributions.
Iloilo is the first city in the Philippines to be recognized in the gastronomy category and is the country’s sole official entry this year.
Its culinary scene, with its rich array of native ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques, now stands alongside other global gastronomic giants, promising a new era for the Philippines on the world gastronomy stage.
“I share this honor with my fellow Ilonggos, who share a passion for preparing our traditional dishes. It is with great pride that we can now declare Ilonggo cuisine a celebrated participant on the international gastronomy stage,” said Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.
He expressed elation over the city’s recent accolades, including the “Most Business-Friendly Highly Urbanized City” award outside the National Capital Region, given by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“These accolades are the fruit of the collective effort of our diligent city officials, employees, and consultants. Congratulations to Iloilo City and the Ilonggos,” Treñas added.
Ilonggo cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh seafood, local vegetables, poultry, and pork, as well as a unique blend of tastes that often incorporates a balance of savory, sour, and sometimes sweet flavors.
Among the hallmark dishes and elements that define Iloilo cuisine are La Paz Batchoy (noodle soup made with a rich, savory broth, pork organs, crushed pork cracklings, chicken or pork stock, noodles, and topped with green onions and sometimes a raw egg); Pancit Molo (soup dish that contains molo or wonton wrappers stuffed with ground pork, chicken or shrimp with a broth made from chicken); Chicken Inasal (grilled chicken dish marinated in a mixture of lime, pepper, vinegar and annatto, then grilled over hot coals); and KBL or Kadyos, Baboy, Langka (traditional Ilonggo soup made with pigeon peas locally called kadyos), pork and jackfruit, often flavored with batwan or bilimbi, which gives it a sour taste.
Interior secretary Benhur Abalos congratulated Mayor Treñas and the local government of Iloilo City on securing the prestigious title. He highlighted that the UNESCO-CCN recognizes Creative Cities for their commitment to leveraging and promoting their cultural and creative assets to fuel economic, social, and cultural development.
“This recognition also pays tribute to the ancestors of Iloilo City, who entrusted to the current generation their customs, traditions, and, notably, their unique and highly sought-after recipes,” said Abalos.
He also expressed hope that Iloilo City’s new status as a Creative City of Gastronomy will spur cultural and economic development, draw global food enthusiasts, and foster further culinary innovations.
“Without a doubt, Iloilo City, with its distinctive array of delicacies, will continue to be a source of pride not only for Ilonggos but for Filipinos everywhere,” he said.
Pangasinan 4th District’s Rep. Christopher de Venecia, a champion of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, joined in congratulating Iloilo City.
“Iloilo’s vibrant and flavorful cuisine has not only won over the Philippines but now, as a UNESCO-CCN member, it will be showcased on an international platform. We eagerly anticipate the delicious developments that await this remarkable city,” said de Venecia.
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III also praised Iloilo City for its latest international achievement.
“This is a well-deserved accolade for the city’s rich culinary heritage and its dedication to the promotion of its unique food culture. Mabuhay, Iloilo City!” Pimentel celebrated in an Instagram post on November 2.
Professor Eric Divinagracia, who served as a consultant for the city government during its gastronomy campaign, noted that the international recognition opens doors for Iloilo City to establish collaborations and linkages with fellow creative cities globally, aiming to enhance its cultural and economic landscapes, particularly in the field of gastronomy.
“Looking ahead, Iloilo is set to host more activities and festivals, and engage in exchanges with other creative cities related to gastronomy. We are a creative city; we employ creativity for development,” Divinagracia explained.
He also mentioned that the city’s latest distinction would attract tourists worldwide, eager to experience Iloilo City’s renowned gastronomic innovation and tradition./PN
