THE Department of Tourism (DOT) lauded the "great culinary scene" of Negros Occidental and its capital Bacolod City during the opening of the three-day Food and Travel Festival at Ayala Malls Capital Central on December 19.
Tourism Undersecretary Arturo Boncato Jr., who spoke during the opening ceremony, cited the province's good reputation when it comes to food and added that Negrenses' taste level is considered very high among Filipinos.
With its good reputation, Boncato said the kind of food that they expect to eat in the province should also be of high standards.
"We always look forward to really delicious and wonderful food here," he said, adding "it is fitting that the last edition of the festival is celebrated in this beautiful city of Bacolod and province of Negros Occidental."
Dubbed "Kaon Na 'Ta," the three-day event was organized by the DOT and Ayala Malls in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental.
Conceptualized by Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, the food-travel festival series was also conducted in other parts of the country, including Legazpi City in Albay, Cebu City, Cagayan de Oro, Sta. Rosa City in Laguna, and Davao City this year.
During the opening activity, Boncato along with Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., Bong Dy of Ayala Malls and Bacolod City Administrator John Orola led the ceremonial lamb carving.
They were joined by some Provincial Government officials and Negrenses chefs.
Chefs Joerri Arro, Don Colmenares, Nico Millanes, Patrick Go, Niño Laus, Kalel Demetrio, and JP Anglo presented their interesting recipes using locally-sourced ingredients.
It was also highlighted by the food parade of local government units in the province, including chicken inasal of Bacolod City, puto of Manapla, squash maja of Sipalay City, piaya of Silay City, lechon of Kabankalan City, leche flan and sab-a sticks of La Castellana, blue crabs of E.B. Magalona, and bitso-bitso of Talisay, among others.
In his speech, Boncato said the whole vision of the agency is to celebrate Filipino cuisine not only in Metro Manila but in all regions in the country.
Boncato said most importantly, they are also looking at celebrating the whole ecosystem supporting Filipino cuisine.
Thus, there are 22 exhibitors, who are food processors, farm sites and tourism stakeholders, coming here together to celebrate Filipino cuisines, he said.
Boncato pointed out that food and culinary along with farm tourism are now fast-becoming a major player in the mainstream global tourism industry. In fact, the Philippines is in a very competitive position to attract new markets and increase arrivals.
He said these products attract the new generation of travelers, including millennials and members of the Generation Z category, who are looking for a more customized, interactive, and meaningful celebration, experiences, and destinations.
"The Department of Tourism believes that Negros Occidental and Bacolod City fit such profile. That this destination is not only proud of its heritage and culture but also its great culinary scene," the official added.
For her part, Romulo-Puyat, in a statement, said the event in Bacolod City is a fitting culmination to their efforts to promote awareness about the Philippines' rich and diverse gastronomy and establish the country as a world-class food hub.
Romulo-Puyat, who will speak in the activity on Thursday, December 20, said this is also a celebration of the triumph of newly-crowned Miss Universe Catriona Gray.
"Going into the pageant, the beauty queen has gone out of her way to champion Philippine tourism," she added.
'Namit gid'
For his part, Marañon took pride that food in Negros Occidental are "namit gid," which means very delicious mainly because of the Negrenses' sweetheart.
Marañon said one of the province's strength is food, particularly its freshness.
"Most of our fellows in Metro Manila want to eat here because of our fresh farm and sea-to-table food," he said, adding that Negrenses really have the passion to prepare a good cuisine.
The governor recalled that most of the successful restaurants in the province are products of the locals' hobby for cooking.
"We will continue this gathering, this celebration," Marañon said, noting that tourism is one of the next big industries in the province given its beautiful destinations and people, and flourishing food sector.
DOT Western Visayas Director Helen Catalbas, who was also present at the event, said Negros Occidental plays a huge part in the food tourism development of the entire region.
"Negros Occidental has always been known for its food and organic farms," Catalbas added.
Worth sharing
Moreover, the DOT recognized the importance of food in further promoting tourism like attracting more tourists to come to the country.
The official said the food is among the top five lists of travelers when they are looking for new destinations. Through food, understanding culture becomes easier.
Boncato also said Filipino cuisine has really evolved into something very important to be really celebrated around the world.
Boncato said that when people travel, food is something they cannot avoid. When Filipinos talk about cuisines, they also talk about the history, culture, and heritage behind it.
"So food is a tourism story by itself. It is worth sharing," he added.
Farm tourism development
In terms of farm tourism development, where Negros Occidental is a model province, the agency said it is mandated to implement Farm Tourism Development Act.
The DOT has already accredited over 100 farm tourism sites in the country to help grow farm tourism as well as these organizations that can help boost the industry and supply ingredients and even knowledge to the stakeholders.
"It's going to be a long-term program of the DOT. We will continue accrediting more farm tourism sites," Boncato said.