CELEBRATING CULINARY EXCELLENCE. The Senate has unanimously passed Senate Bill No. 2797, officially recognizing Pampanga as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines. This recognition celebrates the province’s significant contributions to the nation’s gastronomy and cultural heritage.
The bill, primarily authored by Senator Lito Lapid from Pampanga, mandates the Department of Tourism to highlight Pampanga as the culinary hub in its promotional campaigns across the country. Lapid expressed his pride, stating, “This is a great honor not only for us Kapampangans but for the entire Philippines.”
Pampanga is celebrated for its iconic dishes such as sisig, bringhe, tibok-tibok, tocino, and kare-kare, which showcase a fusion of Spanish, Chinese, Malay, and indigenous culinary influences. These dishes have been refined over centuries to represent uniquely Filipino flavors.
Senator Mark Villar, who chairs the Committee on Tourism and sponsored the bill, noted that Pampanga’s culinary traditions have gained international recognition, introducing Filipino cuisine to a global audience. He emphasized the province’s food as a reflection of its people’s creativity, resilience, and rich history.
Villar also clarified that the bill aims to celebrate Pampanga’s unique role in the culinary landscape without diminishing the contributions of other regions.
Senator Loren Legarda, another supporter of the bill, described it as a tribute to Pampanga’s culinary heritage and artistry, which has significantly influenced the national gastronomic identity. She highlighted the Kapampangan dedication to food, which embodies innovation, resourcefulness, and tradition.
Legarda stressed that recognizing Pampanga encourages a celebration of the shared culinary heritage across the Philippines while appreciating the distinct flavors of each region. She sees Pampanga as a starting point for exploring the diverse stories told through Filipino cuisine.
The senators anticipate that this recognition will enhance culinary tourism in Pampanga, attracting both domestic and international visitors eager to savor authentic Filipino dishes. The bill is also expected to create economic opportunities through culinary tourism, supporting local businesses and encouraging communities to maintain and innovate their culinary traditions.