Angeles City hailed as best rmerging culinary city festination in Asia

BY TONY CHAVEZ

Celebrated for its iconic sisig and diverse culinary scene, Angeles City, Pampanga is now recognized as a premier food destination in the Philippines and, with its recent accolade, has garnered global attention as a must-visit culinary hub.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco celebrated the newest recognition of Angeles City, Pampanga as Asia’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination at the World Culinary Awards Gala Ceremony 2024. Conferred on Wednesday (October 3), the award further solidifies Angeles City’s status as a rising star in global food tourism.

"This prestigious recognition of Angeles City as Asia's Best Emerging Culinary City Destination underscores the exceptional talent, creativity, and dedication of its local chefs and food artisans. The city’s rich culinary heritage, led by its iconic dishes like sisig, continues to captivate food enthusiasts not only in the Philippines but across the world, showcasing the power of Filipino cuisine on the global stage," Secretary Frasco said.

The award was received on behalf of Secretary Frasco by Department of Tourism (DOT) Central Luzon Regional Director Richard Daenos in Dubai, UAE, marking the city’s first-ever accolade in this prestigious category.

Secretary Frasco extended her heartfelt congratulations to the local government unit (LGU) of Angeles City, along with local stakeholders and the food community, for their undaunting efforts in preserving and promoting the city’s culinary legacy. “This award is a testament to the collective hard work and passion of the people of Angeles City and the province of Pampanga in safeguarding and celebrating their unique culinary heritage,” Frasco remarked.

The Tourism Chief likewise lauded Angeles City’s efforts to protect its culinary treasures, including an ordinance that recognizes Sisig Babi as an Intangible Heritage of the city. Known for its iconic sisig, tokwa’t baboy, street food, and bibingka, among other cherished dishes, the city’s culinary landscape is diverse, offering both local and international cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.

At the awards ceremony, Regional Director Daenos connected with prominent figures in the culinary industry, many of whom were eager to learn more about the state of the Philippines' food culture.

Angeles City competed against other renowned food destinations in Asia, including Hanoi, Vietnam, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Taipei, Taiwan, and Kyoto, Japan.

The award is a testament to the robust food tourism initiatives of the Department, including the DOT Region 3's Food Talks, the First International Conference on Kapampangan Cuisine & Food Tourism, the HARP Cook-Off Challenge, and the Culinary Familiarization Tours. These efforts, coupled with initiatives like Food Mapping for Pampanga and the development of the GastroVentures Tour, have significantly contributed to the region's culinary prominence.

"The Department of Tourism remains committed to elevating our culinary tourism through sustained efforts in promoting food heritage, cultural exchange, and innovation. Angeles City’s accolade is a testament to how food can be a driving force for tourism, and we look forward to continuing our work in highlighting the diverse flavors and rich food culture that define our country," added the Tourism Chief.

In addition to these regional efforts, the DOT has been actively spearheading food tourism initiatives nationwide, including the First UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific held in Cebu last June and the Philippine Eatsperience in Manila earlier this year, further cementing the country's culinary reputation.

The World Culinary Awards, a sister event to the World Travel Awards, recognizes and rewards excellence in the culinary industry following a year-long search for the world’s leading culinary brands.