CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – “The Province of Pampanga is hereby declared the ‘Culinary Capital of the Philippines’ in recognition of its contribution to the dynamic and rich culinary history of the country.”
Thus, the House of Representatives approved by 201 affirmative votes, with no opposition and abstention, House Bill No. 10634 officially designating Pampanga as the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines.”
The bill was filed in March 2024 by Pampanga lawmakers led by former president Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the 2nd District, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. of the 3rd District, Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II of the 1st District, and Dr. Anna York Bondoc of the 4th District.
“In Pampanga, talent in cooking and love for food permeate not just restaurants but every corner of every home. Every family member is both an iron chef with an entire household to please and a food critic with strong opinions on everything other family members cook,” said the bill’s explanatory note.
Pampanga’s “formidable culinary history” and its being a foodie tourist destination were also cited in the bill.
Following the House approval, the bill will advance to the Senate for its counterpart legislation before being presented to the president for final enactment into law.
When finally signed into law, the Department of Tourism is mandated to feature the province as the country’s culinary capital in all its regional and national promotion programs.
Expressing elation over the House approval, Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda thanked the legislators for their support. It was former 2nd District board member and current executive assistant to the governor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab that initiated the move to declare Pampanga as culinary capital at the local level. Punto News Team/Pampanga PIO
