ILOILO City – The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has honored Iloilo City as a Creative City for Gastronomy, marking the city’s prestigious entry into the UNESCO-Creative Cities Network (CCN) under this category.
This recognition makes Iloilo the first city in the Philippines to earn such a distinction in the field of gastronomy.
Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed immense pride in this international recognition.
“I share this award with the Ilonggos like me who love to cook our traditional food. Now, we can proudly say Ilonggo cuisine is taking the stage in the international gastronomy scene,” he said.
This accolade follows another recent honor where the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) named Iloilo City as the Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) for 2023.
“I am very happy for the recent wins of the city – Most Business-Friendly Highly Urbanized City outside NCR and the UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy. These awards are results of teamwork of our hardworking city officials, employees, and consultants. Congratulations to Iloilo City and the Ilonggos,” Treñas added.
Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. extended his congratulations to Mayor Treñas and the city government for securing the prestigious title.
“This recognition is also a homage to Iloilo City’s ancestors who passed down to the present generation of Ilonggos their customs, traditions, and ways of life, including their traditional, exclusive and highly-sought after recipes,” said Abalos.
The acknowledgment by UNESCO not only places Iloilo City on the global gastronomic map but also highlights the rich culinary heritage and vibrant food culture of the Ilonggos, offering an opportunity for the city to further boost its tourism and cultural sectors./PN
