The Senate has approved on third and final reading a bill declaring Pampanga as the culinary capital of the Philippines.

In a report by GMA Integrated News' Hana Bordey, Senate Bill 2797 was approved with 21 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and zero abstention.

The sponsor of the bill, Senator Mark Villar, stressed that declaring Pampanga as the culinary capital of the Philippines does not dismiss other provinces that have their own distinct and edgy dishes.

"This recognition of Pampanga is a way of celebrating its extraordinary influence on Filipino food while still honoring the cultural diversity that makes our nation's cuisine so rich and vibrant," Villar said.

"Mula sa Pampanga, baybayin po natin ang iba't-ibang culinary destinations sa buong Pilipinas. We will continue to boost our nation's culinary pride by recognizing Filipino destinations that are significantly contrbuting to the continuous enrichment and development of Filipino cuisine," he added.

Senator Lito Lapid, who hails from Pampanga, welcomed the passage of SB 2797, saying the same is a huge honor for the province's culinary history.

"Isang malaking karangalan po ito, hindi lamang sa aming mga Kapampangan, kundi para sa buong Pilipinas na kinikilala ang yaman at kasaysayan ng ating lutuing Pilipino," he said.

Senator Loren Legarda also hailed the passage of the bill, saying this is a "tribute to the rich heritage and exceptional culinary artistry that Pampanga has shared with our nation and the world."

"The Kapampangan commitment to food is an enduring legacy, passed down through generations. From iconic dishes like sisig, kare-kare, tibok-tibok, and tocino, Kapampangan cuisine tells a story of innovation, resourcefulness, and love for tradition," she said.

She also echoed the statement of Villar that the recognition does not diminish the contributions of other provinces and regions to the country's diverse culinary heritage.

"It serves as an invitation for all of us to celebrate our shared heritage and honor the distinct flavors that each region offers," she said.

"Pampanga, in this sense, becomes a gateway—a starting point for exploring the many stories told through Filipino cuisine. By passing this bill, we also unlock the potential of culinary tourism as a driver of economic growth. We give opportunities to local businesses, empower our communities, and inspire future generations to continue preserving and innovating our culinary traditions," she added.

SB 2797's counterpart measure has been approved by the House of Representatives. The House version of the bill was authored by Pampanga Representatives Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Aurelio Gonzales, among others.