Iloilo stakeholders unite to protect iconic La Paz batchoy

By Aprille Danilly A. Guintibano

ILOILO CITY — Key stakeholders gathered at Iloilo City Hall on Aug. 11 for a consultative discussion under the project “Namit Gid!: A Multistakeholder Collaboration for Ilonggo’s Batchoy,” strengthening efforts to protect, promote, and sustain the heritage of Iloilo’s iconic La Paz batchoy.

Facilitated by the University of the Philippines Visayas Center for West Visayan Studies, the meeting brought together batchoy owners and producers, the Iloilo City Government, Iloilo City Gastronomy Council, academe, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Among the batchoy establishments participating in the collaborative initiative are Netong’s Original Special La Paz Batchoy, Deco’s La Paz Batchoy, Ted’s Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy, Popoy’s Batchoy, Inggo’s Original La Paz Batchoy, and Alicia’s Special Batchoy, whose participation provided industry perspectives during the discussions.

During a meeting with the participants, Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas emphasized the importance of collaboration in protecting and promoting authentic Iloilo batchoy.

Treñas also underscored the need for an inclusive approach that benefits not only batchoy producers and establishments but also the wider Ilonggo community.

The meeting focused on preparations and collaborative efforts toward developing a certification mark for Iloilo La Paz batchoy.

A certification mark can help distinguish products or services that meet established standards, providing a potential mechanism for protecting the identity and authenticity associated with Iloilo’s signature noodle dish.

Particular attention was given to forming an association of La Paz batchoy producers, owners, and cultural heritage stakeholders, which is envisioned to strengthen coordination and representation within the industry.

The activity provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange inputs, align their efforts, and build consensus on initiatives aimed at safeguarding the identity and authenticity of La Paz batchoy.

The initiative also complements Iloilo City’s broader efforts to protect its culinary heritage following its designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2023, a recognition that highlighted the city’s food traditions and culinary ecosystem.

Through the multistakeholder collaboration, the project seeks to ensure that the continued development of the batchoy industry remains rooted in its cultural heritage while creating opportunities for local producers, supporting businesses, and contributing to the growth of Iloilo’s gastronomy tourism.

The Namit Gid Project is implemented by the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies-Local Regional Studies Network-Iloilo through the UP Visayas Center for West Visayan Studies.