A year after Iloilo City’s designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, the city is savoring the recognition and using it to showcase its rich food culture to the world. The title, given under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, is more than a badge of honor—it’s a catalyst for celebrating and promoting Iloilo’s culinary heritage, attracting tourists eager to experience the city’s unique flavors, and promoting pride among Ilonggos.
To mark the anniversary, stakeholders in Iloilo’s food scene recently gathered for “Pagtililipon,” an event focused on mapping out future strategies for strengthening the city’s reputation as a top gastronomic destination. The event included a gastronomy conference and food showcase, highlighting Iloilo’s iconic dishes, culinary craftsmanship, and the Ilonggo spirit that infuses each plate.
At the core of Pagtililipon was a vision to make Iloilo’s gastronomic attractions more accessible to tourists and locals alike. The city unveiled a preliminary version of the Iloilo Food Crawl Guide—a much-anticipated roadmap for food lovers.
This guide will offer an easy-to-follow path through Iloilo’s diverse food experiences, from elevated dining spots to beloved street food stands, from hearty traditional dishes to artisan coffee shops. By making the city’s culinary treasures more discoverable, the Food Crawl Guide is expected to boost tourism and inspire even more pride in Iloilo’s food legacy.
“The city’s designation as Creative City of Gastronomy … pays tribute to generations of families who have kept our culinary heritage alive in their homes, businesses, and communities,” said Leny Ledesma, Iloilo City’s executive assistant for special projects.
The pride Ilonggos feel is reflected in how they share their food traditions, and this sense of cultural preservation has become a key ingredient in the city’s tourism push.
Pagtililipon also gave local chefs, restaurateurs, and food producers a platform to showcase both classic and inventive Ilonggo dishes. With 20 carefully selected food vendors, the event included live cooking demos, tastings, and exhibition booths. This was a treat for food lovers and a clear indicator of the city’s capacity to host large-scale gastronomic events.
At the gathering, the Iloilo Gastronomy Map and its draft roadmap were revisited, highlighting not only the city’s top culinary spots but also providing a strategy to develop and sustain its food tourism in the years to come.
“This is an opportunity for us to showcase not only our rich cultural heritage but also our readiness to host large-scale events that drive economic growth and foster global connection,” said Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.
The recent Lunsod Lunsad Awards, presented by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), have further boosted Iloilo’s ambitions. Recognized for its innovative local development efforts, Iloilo was awarded a P2-million grant under the Lunsod Lunsad Project, which supports cities with high potential for growth. Iloilo officials chose to channel these resources into developing the city’s food tourism through the Lunsod Lunsad Creative Gastronomy Mapping and Showcase, underscoring the city’s dedication to nurturing its food heritage.
The recognition from UNESCO has sparked a renaissance of sorts for Iloilo, setting the stage for years of culinary innovation and growth. As the city continues to refine and expand the Iloilo Food Crawl Guide, visitors will soon have an all-access pass to the flavors that define this vibrant city—from the savory pancit molo and flavorful la paz batchoy to sweet treats like mango chewies and batuan-infused ice cream.
Moving forward, Iloilo’s food tourism initiatives promise to enhance the local economy and cement its position on the global culinary map. With ongoing collaboration between the government, local businesses, and Ilonggo communities, Iloilo City is poised to build on its UNESCO title and become a must-visit destination for anyone hungry for a taste of the Philippines’ rich culinary heritage.