The UNESCO-Philippine National Commission (UNACOM), with the DTI Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines, the League Cities of the Philippines, and the Office of Congressman Christopher Toff de Venecia, with support from Baguio and Cebu UNESCO Creative Cities, endorses Iloilo City’s bid to this year’s Call of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network under the field of Gastronomy.!

Iloilo City has laid the groundwork through innovation where food reinforces abundance or “bugana” in the Ilonggo language, as manifested in its annual fiestas such as the famous Dinagyang Food Festival, Sabores de Visayas, the Paraw Regatta; and its Mercado Iloilo Weekend Market and Trade Fair. Their application is a heartfelt tribute to their indigenous people and ancestors who passed down our customs, traditions, and ways of life.

It has also integrated gastronomy as a pillar of sustainable city development, establishing the Iloilo City Gastronomy Council that harmonizes efforts of the public office and the civil society.