MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) celebrated the newest recognition of Angeles City, Pampanga as Asia’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination at the World Culinary Awards Gala Ceremony 2024.
The home of the iconic sisig, tokwa’t baboy, bibingka, and other cherished dishes, Angeles City competed against other renowned food destinations in Asia, including Hanoi, Vietnam, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Taipei (Taiwan) and Kyoto (Japan).
Conferred last Wednesday (Oct. 3), the award further solidified 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, DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.
“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 added.
The award was received on behalf of Secretary Frasco by DOT Central Luzon Regional Director Richard Daenos in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking the city’s first-ever accolade in this prestigious category, the DOT stated.
Secretary Frasco 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.
“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.
Food tourism initiatives have been launched by the DOT to elevate the profile of the country as a culinary destination.
According to the Tourism Department, such initiatives like 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, together with 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,” Frasco mentioned.
“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 flavours and rich food culture that define our country," added the Tourism Chief.
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.
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, the DOT said.
