The first regional edition of Terra Madre Asia Pacific opened on Nov. 19 at Bacolod City’s Provincial Capitol Lagoon, bringing together communities from across the Asia-Pacific to highlight and support environmentally conscious and traditional food practices in the Philippines.
The event, highlighted by the launch of the Street Food Area and the 18th Negros Island Organic Farmers’ Festival, showcased the country’s rich local produce and traditional culinary practices, reflecting how Filipino food heritage is deeply connected to the nation’s landscapes and the resilience of its people, as noted by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
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A Feast of Filipino Heritage and Innovation
Terra Madre, a flagship initiative of the global Slow Food movement, celebrates the cultural, ecological, and social dimensions of food. Designed to promote sustainable practices, preserve biodiversity, and strengthen local food systems, the movement connects producers, chefs, farmers, and food enthusiasts worldwide in a shared mission to protect traditional culinary knowledge while ensuring equitable access to food.
“Across the world, people discover the heart of a nation through its food, and in the Philippines, our culinary heritage is inseparable from our landscapes and the resilience of our people,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said during the opening ceremony.
Participants had the chance to experience Terra Madre Kitchen, culinary demonstrations, taste workshops, public lectures, and ticketed dining events. The festival also featured business-to-business sessions and special restaurant takeovers, providing platforms for chefs, producers, and advocates to share knowledge, form networks, and shine a spotlight on their communities’ contributions to sustainable food systems.
High-profile attendees included Slow Food President Edward Mukiibi, Slow Food International Director General Paolo di Croce, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, and Mayor Greg Gasataya, all present for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
A Global Stage for Filipino Flavors
“Terra Madre Asia Pacific is more than a celebration; it’s a movement to advance food sovereignty and sustainability while honoring the people who cultivate our nation’s culinary identity,” Frasco noted.
By connecting local flavors to global awareness, the event underscores the Philippines’ potential as a culinary destination while highlighting the economic and tourism benefits of its diverse food heritage. Initiatives like Terra Madre help Filipino producers, farmers, and chefs gain recognition on an international stage, reinforcing pride in local traditions while fostering sustainable growth for communities nationwide.
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