In Iloilo City, pride is taken in its local cuisine, which reflects the region’s rich history and diverse culture, as Mayor Jerry Treñas stated in his message on the Iloilo City Gastronomy website. From the renowned La Paz batchoy to pancit molo and fresh seafood like kinilaw, each dish carries its own story. The culinary heritage of Iloilo City serves as a source of identity for every Ilonggo.
Being the country’s culinary gem, Iloilo City is once again stepping into the spotlight to cement its title as the Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization).
The Iloilo City Government, through the MICE Center, in partnership with Megaworld Iloilo and the Iloilo Convention and Visitors Bureau (ICVB), launched the inaugural “Iloilo City Festival of Food: A Celebration of Ilonggo Gastronomy Excellence” on April 26 at K-Town, Festive Walk Parade Iloilo.
According to the Iloilo City Public Information Office, the event not only highlighted the excellence of the culinary industry and tradition in Iloilo City and Western Visayas but also extended to understanding and appreciating the stories behind the dishes that every Ilonggo enjoys.
The event was packed with other activities, including cooking demonstrations from home-grown chefs showcasing their skills in cooking authentic Ilonggo dishes, symposia on traditional cooking techniques, and live entertainment.
A food map, developed by the city in collaboration with the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Arts, was also introduced to guide food artisans and enthusiasts to the diverse range of the city’s cuisines.
At the festival that honors the culinary excellence of the region, Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez, regional director of the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Western Visayas, said in her message that they are all here to celebrate the heart of Iloilo City. Apart from the people, it’s the food; their love for food; it’s the vibrant culinary landscape.
“In Iloilo City, our passion for food is evident in the number of eateries, restaurants, bakeries, and food stalls that line the streets. Wherever one goes, they won’t go hungry because they are assured that there is a food stall or restaurant nearby,” Rodriguez said.
These places are more than just venues for dining; she noted that they’re where families and friends gather to share life’s moments and reconnect over delicious meals.
According to Rodriguez, food tourism is a growing draw for travelers seeking to explore destinations through their flavors. “When speaking of Western Visayas, when speaking of Iloilo City, the first thing that comes to mind is food. And I think that’s the main reason why the city was inscribed as one of UNESCO Creative Cities for Gastronomy in 2023.”
In Iloilo City, she mentioned that every dish tells a story of their traditions, culture, and heritage. Their local cuisine reveals the narrative of the community, how a simple culinary accident can transform into a beloved recipe.
“Food, thus, satisfies more than just the palates; it drives tourism, supports local livelihoods, and stimulates the economy. It reflects the history of the people, their struggles, victories, and joys. Food offers comfort, evokes nostalgia, and leaves one longing for one more bite,” she stressed.
The Iloilo Food Festival is a celebration of their rich culinary heritage; it’s a showcase of exceptional tastes and a testament to their commitment to excellence, highlighted by their recent Filipino brand of service excellence and community-based tourism, Kulinarya workshop, Rodriguez added.
The DOT thanked Mayor Jerry Treñas and his team for their continuous efforts in enhancing culinary tourism and is committed to supporting Iloilo City’s initiatives in further developing the industry.
“One of the programs or projects that they are developing in support of culinary tourism in Iloilo City is their Palengke Tours, hoping it will be rolled out in different cities in Western Visayas as well,” she also added.
Ivan Anthony Henares, secretary-general of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, said they do know that there is a strong identity here of “bugana” (abundance) or simple bounty in their gastronomy, and the institutional support for being a Creative City is in place.
“When Iloilo City was nominated to become a Creative City, there was very strong private sector support,” Henares pointed out.
But he reminded everyone that there is a challenge, that every four years, Iloilo City will be reevaluated to retain its designation as a Creative City.
“So therefore, they have to showcase more innovation, make institutions that support gastronomy more robust, and be more creative,” Henares added. “But you know, Iloilo has already set the standard for any city in the Philippines that is interested in becoming a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy.”
Next year, he noted that there will be two more cities pushing to become Creative Cities next year, and UNESCO hopes to get the support of Iloilo City, together with the other Creative Cities Baguio City and Cebu City, to assist the two candidates that will move forward with the application for the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
“April, being National Food Month, was a perfect way to celebrate it and the fact that they are a Creative City for Gastronomy,” he said. “So again, good luck to Iloilo City as they promote their designation as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy, but also keep in mind that there is no forever if they cannot take good care of the designation. The challenge really is to ensure that they will still retain that title.”
Salvador Sarabia, director of Iloilo City MICE Center, shared that this food festival event actually started three years ago. It was conceived with a plan that they didn’t even know would lead to the recognition of gastronomy.
“I just felt that one of the great resources and skills of Ilonggos is eating; they love to eat. They have so many kinds of foods in Iloilo City, the variety is indescribable. I believe it’s worth promoting because my office is focused on event promotion,” he shared.
“So, they collaborated with the University of the Philippines Visayas and conducted a focus group discussion as well as a workshop,” he said, and when they presented this to the mayor in 2023, Mayor Treñas was initially hesitant as he was unaware that the city had bid for the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and he made him his co-chair.
“But it was not difficult for me to conceive the plan because the community was already involved in planning this event. Luckily, it turned out to be a serendipitous activity because everybody was already engaged,” he said.
In 2024, with the help of his son, who is the president of the ICVB, as well as Megaworld, this event came into being.
John Frederick Sarabia, president of ICVB, said that the prestigious UNESCO recognition celebrates their city’s rich culinary heritage, vibrant food culture, and commitment to sustainable food practices.
He said that this festival is a perfect way to celebrate this incredible achievement. Megaworld’s Festive Walk mall was transformed into a haven for food lovers, displaying mouthwatering dishes from all corners of Iloilo, Santa Barbara, San Miguel, and Cabatuan as well as representing generations of tradition and culinary innovations. From classic Ilonggo favorites to exciting new creations, there is something here to entice every palate.
“This festival isn’t just about the food though; it’s about celebrating the talented chefs, passionate home cooks, and hardworking farmers who bring these dishes to life,” he added. “It’s about connecting with the community, sharing stories over a plate, and creating lasting memories.”
“The ICVB has been overwhelmed by the positive response to this event. So many talented food vendors, passionate restaurateurs, and enthusiastic groups have come together to make this festival a reality. Everyone’s interest is a true testament to the vibrant culinary scene and the shared commitment to upholding the UNESCO Creative City title,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Treñas shared that during the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy Annual Conference 2024 in Phuket, Thailand, Iloilo City was granted the opportunity to exhibit itself to an international audience alongside other participating cities.
The mayor stated that this represented a notable occasion of honor for Iloilo, as nations spanning Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas familiarized themselves with the city and gained insights into its culinary heritage.
