PH Slow Food Congress to Boost Gastronomy Hub Status

By Glazyl Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco announced that the Philippines’ hosting of the first-ever Terra Madre Asia Pacific in 2025 marks a significant step in establishing the country as a global gastronomy hub.

Speaking during the Terra Madre Visayas program at the Negros Residences on Thursday, Frasco revealed that Bacolod City had been chosen to host the prestigious event next year.

In her speech, Frasco celebrated Bacolod’s designation as a slow food hub in Asia.

“Bacolod City and Negros Occidental, with their illustrious heritage of sugar and principles of organic farming, have added a new chapter to their story. This chapter is rooted in the admirable intent to perpetuate culinary traditions, protect biodiversity, and uphold good, clean, and fair practices executed with passion, patience, and persistence,” Frasco said.

The Terra Madre Asia Pacific event will feature a slow food expo, an international forum, and community experiences aimed at inspiring new perspectives on food and tourism while staying true to the Philippines’ roots.

Frasco emphasized that by integrating slow food principles into tourism strategies, the Department of Tourism is curating experiences that showcase the art of taste, celebrate local food practices, and bring the stories of farmers and fisherfolk to the forefront.

“These experiences invite both local and international travelers to savor the unique flavors of the Philippines while fostering a deeper appreciation for the people and ecosystems behind them,” she said.

Frasco noted that the Slow Food movement in the Philippines is enhancing local destinations by promoting sustainability, regenerating natural resources, and expanding economic opportunities nationwide.

She stressed that slow food is not only about locally grown ingredients or their role in food production but also represents a culinary culture and way of life.

“In today’s age of instant and fast food, understanding the importance of slow food as a better alternative for preparing what we eat is crucial,” she added.

Bacolod Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the Terra Madre Asia Pacific Slow Food event.

“With this collaboration, Bacolod is set to achieve a new global standing as a destination known for its unique food tourism, diverse ingredients, talented chefs, and hospitable people,” Benitez said.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson highlighted how the event aligns with the province’s values of biodiversity preservation, global food promotion, and empowerment of small-scale farmers, fisherfolk, and food artisans.

In September, Fondazione Slow Food Italy signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Negros Island Community Promoting and Preserving Traditional Food, Inc., and the Bacolod city government to develop and implement Slow Food projects. The initiative envisions Bacolod as the Slow Food International Hub for Asia Pacific.

Terra Madre is a global initiative of the Slow Food movement that celebrates traditional food cultures, counters fast-paced consumerism, and strengthens connections to food.

Since its establishment in 1989, Slow Food has grown into a global movement active in more than 160 countries.