The recently concluded Fiesta Kulinarya 2024 of the Department of Trade and Industry Region 3 (DTI-3) brought together food lovers, culinary artists, and entrepreneurs from across Central Luzon in a two-day celebration of the region’s diverse and rich culinary traditions.
Held at SM City Pampanga’s Event Center on September 9-10, 2024, the event featured 25 food MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) showcasing their innovative products and flavors, with the highlight being the cooking demonstrations and free food tasting that attracted food enthusiasts and shoppers alike.
The event showcased the diverse food products of the seven provinces of the region. Aurora exhibited their native delicacies, and cacao and coconut-based food products. Bataan showed their gourmet marine products while Bulacan presented dairy products and other sweets and delicacies.
Nueva Ecija delighted visitors with their meat products, dairy, baked goods, and ice cream. Pampanga flaunted their San Nicolas cookies, uraro, hopia, and the biscotti de Sta. Ana.
Tarlac displayed a variety of sauces and condiments, calamansi-based products, puto, and chicharon while Zambales MSMEs brandished their mango-products, pickled vegetables and wines.
DTI-3 OIC Regional Director Edna D. Dizon led the opening ceremony emphasizing the importance of supporting local food industries.
“This festival is a testament of our collective efforts and shared vision highlighting the role that culinary arts and creative industries play in shaping the economic landscape of the region,” she said.
Among other guests, Kapampangan chef and restaurateur Manuela Cherry Tan highlighted the importance of living up to Pampanga’s culinary reputation.
“Now that Pampanga is geared to become the culinary capital. We have the responsibility to cook and prepare our foods better, not just in terms of its signature deliciousness but also in terms of its preservation, ensuring that our traditional foods and inherited recipes are in the heart of our communities,” the chef said.
DTI-Competitiveness and Innovation Group Assistant Secretary Leonila Baluyut also graced the event. In her message, ASEC Baluyut shared that the Fiesta Kulinarya is just in time for the Creative Industries Month celebration.
“Events like this are part of the creative tourism cluster of the Creative Industries which provide significant contributions in the economy. The Philippines is focusing on creative tourism by showcasing its unique culture, arts and heritage to attract more visitors,” she mentioned.
Adding to the celebration of culinary arts was Chef Jam Melchor, a key figure in the local food scene, who shared his insights on the deeper significance of food in our lives. “Food is not merely a necessity, it is part of who we are. The art of preparing it is one of the oldest forms of cultural expressions. It transcends the boundaries of time, place, and language,” Chef Melchor said, highlighting how food plays a pivotal role in cultural identity and tradition.
Also gracing the opening ceremonies are Frances Canlas, Head, Local Economic and Investment Promotion Office on behalf of Tarlac Governor Susan Yap, Marcela Giron of Giron Botanic Culture and Arts Center, and DTI-3 OIC Assistant Regional Director Elenita Ordonio.
The Fiesta Kulinarya 2024 was a showcase of Central Luzon’s dynamic food industry It would not have been possible without the enthusiastic participation of the exhibitors, chefs, attendees and media partners. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported this event and contributed to its success. Your presence and engagement underscore the importance of culinary traditions in our communities and highlight the future potential for Central Luzon’s vibrant food sector.
