Negros, Bacolod host Terra Madre Asia Pacific

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental and Bacolod City made history Wednesday as they co-hosted the first Terra Madre Asia Pacific, bringing together Slow Food advocates, chefs, farmers, fisherfolk, artisans, and sustainability leaders from more than 20 countries.

Held at the Capitol Lagoon, the event underscored Negros’ growing role in food culture, agroecology, and community-based food systems.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco opened her remarks by expressing solidarity with the province following the devastation of Typhoon Tino.

“Once again, I express my solidarity with the people of Negros Occidental in light of the recent calamity,” she said.

“The president will continue to extend assistance until Negros fully rises again,” Frasco added.

Frasco said hosting Terra Madre Asia Pacific in the Philippines is more than a distinction — it directly benefits communities whose livelihoods rely on the food system.

“This event honors, highlights, and supports our farmers, fisherfolk, producers, chefs, cooks, restaurants, and artisans,” she said.

“Seventeen percent of tourist spending goes to food. This is a wonderful opportunity to increase the income of our local cooks, artisans, farmers, and producers,” Frasco said.

She added that the Department of Tourism will continue prioritizing small and medium enterprises, rural communities, and local food traditions through its programs to ensure “no one is left behind in tourism development.”

Frasco also encouraged delegates to explore the Philippines, experience the diversity of Filipino cuisine, and gain a deeper understanding of food systems that must be preserved for sustainable gastronomy tourism in Asia and beyond.

TESDA Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Benitez said Terra Madre represents more than an event — it marks a defining moment for Negros and the region.

“We are stepping up,” he said. “Kita nga mga Negrense are no longer just participants. We are taking the lead in food and gastronomy.”

Citing the PHP 1.2 billion crop loss sustained by the sugar industry due to Typhoon Tino, he called for “a new kind of revolution — a green economic transformation that blends modern innovation with traditional ecological wisdom.”

Benitez said the Slow Food movement offers solutions such as soil regeneration, agroecology, culinary heritage revival, and the empowerment of small farmers.

“Food security is important,” he said, “but food sovereignty — communities controlling their own food systems — is even more powerful.”

He pledged continued TESDA support through training programs that strengthen local agriculture and food enterprises.

“Parehas sang motto namon subong sa TESDA: basta sama-sama, kayang-kaya.”

Bacolod Lone District Rep. Albee Benitez added humor and insight to the gathering.

“In Bacolod, we don’t believe in light snacks — our snacks have snacks,” he joked, drawing laughter from delegates.

He later underscored the deeper meaning of the event.

“The faster the world spins, the more we need to nourish our soul.”

Benitez said the Slow Food movement grounds people in essentials — quality, process, mindfulness, and community.

“We honor farmers, artisans, and cooks — the people who pour time, talent, and heart into every ingredient,” he said. “Without them, we’d be eating fast food every day — and that should be classified as a human rights violation.”

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson welcomed participants to the joint celebration of the 18th Negros Island Organic Festival and Terra Madre Asia Pacific, saying the alignment was intentional.

“This synergy allows chefs from across Asia and the Pacific to source directly from our farmers and highlight the richness of our island’s produce,” he said.

Lacson urged farmers, fisherfolk, and food advocates to take advantage of the global spotlight.

“This is a good time to show the world the richness of our land and sea, and the quality of our farm products.”

Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez highlighted the deep cultural roots of food in Negros.

“Our landscapes carry the work of generations of farmers. Our coastlines sustain families who live by the rhythm of the sea. Our kitchens preserve stories handed down across time,” he said.

He noted that delegates from across Asia brought food traditions shaped by islands, mountains, rivers, and ancestral lands — all united by the shared mission to protect biodiversity and nourish communities.

“Food is a wise teacher,” Gasataya said. “Just as flavors become richer when ingredients are combined with care, communities flourish when they stand together.”