Bill declaring Pampanga the PH’s culinary capital now in Senate plenary

The bill seeking to declare Pampanga province the "Culinary Capital of the Philippines" has been sponsored in the Senate plenary.

Senator Mark Villar sponsored Senate Bill 2797, saying the measure is a recognition of the province's "significant contribution" to Philippine culinary heritage and also seeks to ensure that the Philippines remains a "key player in the global culinary landscape."

"The recognition of Pampanga as our culinary capital will not only boost local pride but will also be a driver of economic and tourism growth,” the senator said.

Villar added that the measure will not "in any way diminish the value of diverse cuisines from other provinces."

Pampanga-born Senator Lito Lapid co-sponsored the measure, citing famous Filipino chefs who are from the province, including Nora and Sandy Daza, Atsing Lillian Lising-Borromeo, Clarita Reyes Lapus of Mama Sita's, Claude Tayag, Sau del Rosario, and Gene Gonzales.

Lapid added that many renowned restaurants originated from Pampanga as well, such as Cafe
Adriatico, Bistro Remedios ni Larry Cruz, Abe Restaurant, Cabalen ni Maritel Nievera, Pampanga’s Best, Everybody’s Cafe, and Susie’s Cuisine.

"Ang Pampanga po ay hindi gaya ng ibang mga probinsya na may likas na tanawin at pasyalan. Wala po kaming makikinang na mga beach at magagandang bulubundukin o mga rock formation. Ang mayroon po kami ay pusong Kapampangan at ang aming pagkain na hinubog ng aming kasaysayan," Lapid said.

(Pampanga is not like other provinces with natural scenic views and tourist attractions. We don't have beaches, mountains, or rock formations. What we have is the Kapampangan heart and our cuisine shaped by our history.)

"Ang turismo po ng Pampanga ay nakasalalay sa aming mga tao: sa aming mainit na pagtanggap sa mga turista at sa aming masasarap na putahe. Ang aming hospitality at culinary industry po ang aming pangunahing bentaha sa turismo. Kaya naman po buong puso po kaming humihingi ng tulong sa atin Senado na ibigay sa lalawigan ng Pampanga ang bansag na Culinary Capital ng Pilipinas," he added.

(Tourism in Pampanga relies on our people: our warm welcome to tourists and our delicious cuisine. Our hospitality and culinary industry are the main pillars of our tourism. That's why we are wholeheartedly seeking the Senate's help in awarding Pampanga the title of Culinary Capital of the Philippines.)

SB 2797's counterpart measure had already been approved in the House of Representatives. The House version of the bill was authored by Pampanga Representatives Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales, among others. — BM, GMA Integrated News