ANGELES CITY — The city government’s efforts under Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. to boost tourism bested other renowned country destinations as Angeles City was hailed as “Asia’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination 2024” by the prestigious World Culinary Awards 2024 held at the Jumeirah Al Naseem in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Oct. 2.
This global recognition places Angeles City ahead of culinary capitals such as Hanoi (Vietnam), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Kyoto (Japan), and Taipei (Taiwan).
Lazatin highlighted that this is not only a recognition for Angeles City but also for the Philippines, noting its growing reputation in global gastronomy.
“This milestone showcases the rich culinary heritage of Pampanga, long regarded as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines,” noted the mayor. “Our efforts to promote local and culinary tourism are paying off as we continue to attract international recognition.”
The World Culinary Awards, known as the “Oscars of the travel industry,” honor the best in travel, tourism, and hospitality.
Under Lazatin’s leadership, Angeles City implemented programs supporting local businesses to promoting culinary festivals, featuring hotels and restaurants through the Angeles City Tourism Office Facebook page, also revitalizing the city government’s One Town, One Product store and establishing the city-run café Kapebaluan.
To assist local artists and preserve arts, culture and heritage, the city government established the Santungan Artist Hub at the Abacan Loop and conducting monthly exhibits.
It has been also part of Mayor Lazatin’s priority project to improve infrastructure.
When Mayor Lazatin took office in 2019, he vowed to remain a business-friendly city to further boost local economy.
“This inspires us to continue advancing our tourism programs while preserving our culinary traditions, which are central to our community’s identity,” Lazatin added.
Lazatin thanked the World Culinary Awards for the said achievement, also encouraging his kababayans to continue love, support, and patronize our own.
Lazatin also thanked the Department of Tourism Central Luzon headed by Dr. Richard Daenos for its continuous support to the growth of Angeles City’s tourism. “Dakal a salamat pu! Luid ya pu ing siyudad ning Angeles,” Lazatin proudly said.
With its various heirloom recipes and culinary approaches, Angeles City is best known for its “sisig,” hailed as “the best pork dish in the world.”
It was the mayor’s father, former Pampanga 1st District congressman and Angeles City mayor Carmelo “’Tarzan” Lazatin that launched the Sisig Festival in 2003 to celebrate and promote the dish. Angeles CIO
