Throughout the five-day Terra Madre 2024, the Philippine booth remained a crowd favorite, drawing people who were eager to learn, taste, and engage with the country’s offerings.
In partnership with Slow Food Communities and other key stakeholders, the Department of Tourism (DOT) highlighted the Philippines’ rich culinary heritage on the global stage by leading the country’s delegation at the prestigious Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2024, held in Turin, Piedmont, Italy, from September 26 to 30, 2024.
This biennial international event, the largest of its kind, attracts over 600 exhibitors from around the globe and features workshops, conferences, and food tastings that promote good, clean, and fair food practices. The 2024 edition served as a platform to highlight unique food cultures with a focus on sustainability and the preservation of culinary traditions.
“The Philippines’ participation in Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2024 is a significant moment as we present the richness of our food traditions to an international audience. Our delegation reflects the strength and passion of our local communities, with each member working to promote the use of native ingredients and sustainable agricultural methods. Our involvement underscores the nation’s commitment to integrating sustainable agricultural practices into the tourism experience, aligning with the global movement toward food sovereignty,” said DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco
The Philippine pavilion featured signature dishes and heritage cuisine from various regions, including Cavite, Bacolod, Negros, Capiz, Aklan, Panay, the Cordilleras, and other areas in Luzon and the Visayas. Guests savored heirloom recipes such as Inasal, Adobo, Sinigang, Kinalabasa, and Kinilaw—the Philippines’ fresh, tangy take on ceviche—along with the distinctive flavors of artisanal products like heirloom rice, native vinegar, and Philippine artisanal salts.
Philippine coffee also took center stage, highlighting the country’s coffee trails and slow food community experiences. The beans were sourced from coffee farms in regions like Cordillera.
The booth quickly became a gathering spot for food enthusiasts eager to experience the finest of Filipino cuisine, sample artisanal salts, sip innovative Philippine cocktails, and savor the country’s renowned coffee. The delegation also seized the opportunity to promote the Philippines’ top tourist destinations, giving consumers and fair attendees a comprehensive look at the nation’s vibrant culture and sustainable tourism offerings.
A major highlight of the Philippines’ participation was the series of talks and panel discussions on sustainable tourism and food systems. Filipino resource speakers, including culinary experts and community leaders (a delegation of 90 farmers, chefs, restaurateurs, and advocates for good, clean, and fair food), took part in these discussions to share the country’s advancements and perspectives on sustainable agriculture, food sovereignty, and Slow Food Travel initiatives.
Another highlight of the event was the recognition of Bacolod City as the official Slow Food International hub for Asia and the Pacific. This was a milestone, not just for Bacolod but for the entire country, positioning the Philippines as a leader in the slow food movement. Bacolod will now serve as a central hub for collaboration across the region, pushing forward initiatives in food sovereignty and sustainable agriculture.
Frasco said, “The Philippines has one of the most organized Slow Food networks in Asia. With Bacolod recognized as a Slow Food International hub for Asia and the Pacific, we aim to further elevate the country’s status as a key player in sustainable food systems and place the Philippines at the forefront of the global movement toward Slow Food Travel and sustainable agriculture.”
The DOT’s announcement to bid for Terra Madre Asia Pacific in 2025 only reinforced the country’s commitment to sustainability and its growing presence on the global food stage.
