THE Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines has chosen piaya and chicken inasal of Bacolod City as among the food products to be featured in the World Street Food Congress (WSFC) 2017 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds in Pasay City on May 31 to June 4.
Themed “Re-Imagine Possibilities,” the five-day event will gather and showcase over 30 different products from 12 countries with indelible contribution to the world’s street food culture.
Last March, the organizing committee of WSFC 2017 conducted a three-day “food exploration” in Negros Occidental as part of its Regional Food Tour in Western Visayas for the selection of participating hawkers and dishes.
Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (Mice) Department officer-in-charge Teresita Landan, in a letter to Department of Tourism (DOT)-Western Visayas Director Helen Catalbas, said three “marketers” from the region, including Negros Occidental, were chosen to represent Philippines in the congress.
Two are from Bacolod City namely Ramon Uy Jr. of Fresh Start Organics with his piaya, and Chef JP Anglo with his Chicken Inasal with Pita Bread.
WSFC representatives also selected Batchoy Ice Cream and Beef Tongue Lengua Con Setas Oliva Gua Bao of Chef Rafael Jardeleza from Iloilo City.
They will be provided with airfare, accommodation, and onsite culinary student volunteer-assistant, Landan said.
WSFC, in its website, said the event includes a two-day dialogue aimed at gathering together the industry’s global movers and shakers, leaders and innovators, entrepreneurs, chefs, street vendors, and food aficionados to share ideas, development and opportunities in a collaborative environment.
It said that this year also marks the return of the World Street Food Awards.
“Our food researchers and partners came up with iconic winners in as many cities. We are looking to rank the Top 30 World Street Food Masters as well as recognize professionals in a few faculties in this area of work,” it added.
Cristine Mansinares, supervising tourism operations officer of Negros Occidental, had earlier said the flourishing culinary tourism industry of Negros Occidental is seen to get a boost through the upcoming food event.
“Our participation in the international street food gathering can be a significant platform to share our unique street food heritage to the world,” she added.
The province’s growing potential in terms of culinary tourism has been recognized by DOT-Western Visayas.
The DOT said it is one of the areas which the province should further promote to attract more tourists.