BACOLOD CITY – The community of Negros Occidental came together to honor the memory of the celebrated chef Margarita ‘Gaita’ Fores, who passed away on February 11. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson spearheaded the tribute, recognizing Fores’ significant contributions to the region’s organic farming and slow food initiatives. Fores, aged 65, was a native of Bago City, following in the footsteps of her grandfather, Don J. Amado Araneta.
Governor Lacson praised Fores as a remarkable figure from the prestigious Araneta family, a culinary innovator, and a dedicated supporter of local cuisine and heritage. Her son, Amado, shared the news of her passing on Instagram, asking for prayers during their time of grief.
Lacson highlighted Fores’ commitment to the Negrense farmers and her active participation in the Negros Slow Food movement. He noted that her presence at the annual Negros Trade Fair would be sorely missed, yet her passion and dedication would continue to inspire.
Fores’ culinary expertise not only celebrated the rich heritage of Negros but also played a pivotal role in elevating Filipino and Negrense cuisine, positioning Negros Occidental and Negros Island as top culinary destinations in the Philippines.
In Bago City, where Fores celebrated her grandfather’s 115th birth anniversary in 2022, Mayor Nicholas Yulo and Vice Mayor Ramon Torres expressed their sorrow over her passing. Yulo remembered Fores as a pioneering woman who always cherished her roots in Bago, a sentiment she credited to her grandfather’s guidance.
Torres lauded Fores for her role in elevating Filipino cuisine through her establishments like Cibo, earning her the accolade of Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016.
The Association of Negros Producers (ANP), which organizes the Negros Trade Fair, acknowledged Fores’ profound influence on Negrense cuisine. They praised her for her dedication to local ingredients, her efforts in enhancing Filipino flavors, and her mentorship within the culinary community. ANP noted that Fores consistently supported local micro, small, and medium enterprises by sourcing ingredients from them, even outside the fair’s context. At the 38th Negros Trade Fair media launch last year, Fores spoke with her characteristic warmth and enthusiasm about Negrense ingredients.