𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒: 𝗣𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮 𝘁𝗮𝗴𝘀 “𝗖𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹” 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝘂 𝗛𝗕 𝟭𝟬𝟲𝟯𝟰

On August 13, 2024, the House of Representatives officially designated Pampanga as the "Culinary Capital of the Philippines" after passing House Bill No. 10634 in a decisive vote. The bill sailed through its third and final reading with 201 votes in favor out of 316 total votes, and no opposition, cementing Pampanga’s status as the nation's premier culinary destination.

The proposal for House Bill No. 10634 was led by former President and current Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, along with several other Pampanga lawmakers: Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. (third district), Anna York Bondoc (fourth district), and Carmelo Lazatin III (first district). The bill was sponsored at the plenary by Romblon Representative Eleandro Jesus Madrona, chair of the House Committee on Tourism. Once enacted into law, it will mandate the Department of Tourism to promote and highlight Pampanga’s culinary distinction among all regions, aiming to boost the province’s status as a top destination for food lovers.

Pampanga earned this title for its expressive cuisine, which boasts a diverse range of flavors and a rich culinary heritage. The province is celebrated as the birthplace of Kapampangan cuisine and is famously known for dishes such as sisig, tocino, embotido, and chicharrón. Even before the approval of House Bill No. 10634, Pampanga was already renowned for its exceptional food.

In late March, Holy Angel University's Center for Kapampangan Studies hosted its inaugural International Conference on Kapampangan Cuisine and Food Tourism. The event attracted culinary heritage enthusiasts, food and family historians, chefs, food lovers, and tourism students. The legislative board emphasized Pampanga's crucial role in nurturing some of the nation's top culinary talents, with passionate chefs like Chef Sau del Rosario leading the way.

In addition to the support from lawmakers, the bill has garnered strong backing from Pampanga Provincial Tourism Officer Michael Castañeda, Provincial Information Office head Gracie Rutao, and members of the Pampanga Culinary Heritage Council. Following its approval by the House, the bill will proceed to the Senate for review before being sent to the President for final approval and formal enactment.

Article by: Cheska Bisnar and Archei Mikael Donggon

Layout by: Nikko Decrito

Published date: August 17, 2024