Pampanga, renowned for its rich culinary heritage, is making strides to officially become the "Culinary Capital of the Philippines."

House Bill No. 10634 was led by Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The bill, which celebrates the province's exceptional contribution to the country’s culinary landscape, passed its third and final reading with 201 affirmative votes and no opposition on August 13, 2024.

Arroyo said it is crucial that their recipes are not lost, as every house should have their own traditional dishes.

“Importante ali mawala ing kekatamung recipes, dapat bawat bale reng anak balu da," Arroyo said.

Introduced in March 2024, the bill seeks to recognize Pampanga’s status as a leading culinary destination and its significant historical contributions to Filipino cuisine.

“Talagang rich in natural resources ang Pampanga, hindi tayo nagtitipid sa condiments lahat ng sangkap available sa atin. Likhang marunong magluto ang mga kapampangan," Robby Tantingco from the Center for Kapampangan Studies said.

Mike Castañeda, Pampanga’s Tourism Officer, added that this is an opportunity for them to better preserve their traditional recipes and cultural heritage.

“Ito ay responsibilidad para paigtingin ang mga programa at activities ng lokal na pamahalaan at probinsyang pamahalaan ng Pampanga, para lalo pa po nating maingatan ang ating mga tinatagong tradisyon at mga resipe ng Pampanga," he said.

After passing the House of Representatives, the bill will be submitted to the Senate for further consideration. 

If approved by the Senate, it will be forwarded to the President for final endorsement and enactment into law.