UNESCO named Iloilo City as the country’s first creative city of gastronomy on Tuesday, Oct. 31.

“This is an incredible recognition of Iloilo’s rich culinary heritage, innovative gastronomic scene, enabling ecosystem, and unwavering passion for food,” Congressman Christopher De Venecia said following Iloilo City’s achievement.

“Iloilo’s vibrant and flavorful cuisine has captivated the Philippines and the world, and now, as a member of the [UNESCO Creative Cities Network], it has a global platform to showcase its culinary prowess. We can’t wait to see the delicious journey that lies ahead for this amazing city,” he added.

Meanwhile, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas thanked De Venecia, saying he “[Shares] this award with the Ilonggos, like me, who love to cook our Ilonggo Food. Now, we can be proud to say Ilonggo cuisine is taking the stage in the international gastronomy scene.”

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay designated 55 cities worldwide under the UCCN to represent the creative fields of crafts and folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, and media arts and music.

“The cities in our Creative Cities Network are leading the way when it comes to enhancing access to culture and galvanizing the power of creativity for urban resilience and development,” Azoulay said in a report.

UNESCO stated that newly designated cities must cooperate with the respective network members in strengthening their resilience amid evolving threats of climate change, rising inequality, and rapid urbanization.

This came after the United Nations (UN) projection that 68% of the world’s population will live in urban areas by 2050.

These cities are also invited to join the 2024 UCCN Annual Conference on July 1 to 5 in Braga, Portugal, under the theme “Bringing Youth to the table for the next decade”