THE Senate yesterday afternoon passed on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 2797 declaring the province of Pampanga as the culinary capital of the Philippines.
Authored by Sen. Manuel “Lito” Lapid, SBN 2797 was approved by 21 in favor, zero against, and no abstentions.
SBN 2797 directs the Department of Tourism (DOT) to feature and promote Pampanga as the culinary capital of the country in all its regional and national promotion programs.
“This bill seeks to formally recognize Pampanga’s unique contribution to the nation’s culinary landscape by declaring it as such,” said Lapid, who is a native of Porac, Pampanga.
Lapid said Pampanga is known for a number of celebrated dishes, including sisig, bringhe, tibok-tibok, tocino, and kare-kare which have become synonymous with Filipino cuisine.
Sen. Mark Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Tourism and sponsor of the bill, said dishes from Pampanga are now being offered all over the world.
“What makes Pampanga unique is not only the delicious flavors of its cuisine, but also the centuries-old culinary traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. Kapampangan food reflects the history, creativity, and resilience of its people. Influence from Spanish, Chinese, Malay, and indigenous traditions have melted together, creating a cuisine that is unmistakably Filipino, and proudly Kapampangan,” Villar said in his sponsorship speech.
He clarified that the bill does not seek exclusivity of any culinary-related title of other provinces, stressing that it only highlights the contribution of Pampanga to the culinary history of the Philippines.
Sen. Loren Legarda, who is a co-author of the measure, said the Kapampangan commitment to food is an enduring legacy that has been passed down from generation to generation.
“By passing this bill, we also unlock the potential of culinary tourism as a driver of economic growth. We give opportunities to local businesses, empower our communities, and inspire future generations to continue preserving and innovating our culinary traditions,” Legarda said.
“As the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Culture and Arts, and as a steadfast advocate of our nation’s culture, history, and way of life, I wholeheartedly support this measure,” she also said.
