The first-ever Terra Madre Asia and Pacific gathering officially opened at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon and Park in Bacolod City Wednesday morning, Oct. 19, for a historic global celebration of sustainable food cultures.
The five-day event brings together communities from more than 20 countries across Asia-Pacific and the entire Philippines to champion good, clean, and fair food, while simultaneously showcasing the Negros’ rich culinary heritage as a powerful force for economic growth.
The Terra Madre street food booths feature a diverse range of delicacies from across the Philippines alongside the 18th Negros Island Organic Farmers’ Festival.
“By showcasing these resources through tourism, we provide local communities with markets, income, recognition, while reinforcing the country’s identity as a destination where culture, nature and gastronomy come together,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said during the opening program.
“The hosting by the Philippines of Terra Madre Asia and Pacific has a very positive impact not just on our economy but also more importantly on the livelihood of our communities because it seeks to honor, highlight and support the economic growth of the farmers, fisherfolk, producers as well as our local artisans, chefs, cooks and restaurants,” she said.
The Department of Tourism is positioning the Philippines as Asia’s rising culinary destination, and ensuring that no one is left behind in tourism development, she said.
“Through these efforts, we do more than celebrate cuisine, we create opportunities for communities to empower our local producers, and ensure that tourism generates tangible benefits for our people as well as sustain our food heritage,” she said.
Frasco said 17 percent of tourist spending is actually devoted to food so we see this as a wonderful opportunity for the local economy.
The five-day event provides platforms for producers, chefs, farmers, and food advocates to exchange knowledge, strengthen networks, and showcase their communities’ unique contributions to sustainable food systems, organizers said.
Terra Madre is a global gathering of food communities initiated by the Slow Food movement to promote sustainable and traditional food production while championing biodiversity, food sovereignty, and equitable food.
Slow food refers to a philosophy that promotes food that is good for people, clean for the planet, and fair for producers, emphasizing local ingredients, tradition, and sustainability.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, in his speech, said in Negros Occidental, “we take pride in our food — a celebrated reflection of our culture and an expression of who we are as Negrenses, together with our identity as the sugar bowl of the Philippines”.
“To our farmers and fisherfolk, this is a good time to show the world the richness of our land, sea, and the quality of our farm products,” he said.
Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya said Bacolod City is honored “to host this gathering, to witness the collaborations you will form, the insights you will share, and the ideas you will carry back to your communities”.
Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez also said Bacolod “is proud to host this historic regional celebration and to share our flavors, stories, and signature warmth with the world”.
“Our city may not have white-sand beaches or towering mountain ranges — but what we do have is exceptional food. Food that is honest, soulful, and unforgettable,” he said.
Across the world, food tourism is growing, as travelers search not just for places to visit, but for flavors to experience, he said.
“Bacolod recognized that early — and we embraced it with purpose, passion, and pride”, he said.
Secretary Francisco Benitez of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority said Negros is ready to prove “that good, clean, and fair food is not an abstract ideal. It is a living system that communities can sustain, protect, and govern themselves”.
Slow Food connects farmers and consumers. It restores traditional recipes, revitalizes heirloom ingredients, and heals ecosystems, the secretary said.
Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) said “clean, fair and sustainable food is the foundation of a healthy society and a thriving planet”.
As chair of the House Special Committee on Creative Industries, he sees Terra Madre as creativity in action, and with House Bill No. 309 he is continuing to work towards Negros Occidental as the Slow Food Hub of the Philippines.*