MANILA, Philippines- Vineto ni Pangulong Ferdinand ”Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ang panukalang nagdedeklara sa lalawigan ng Pampanga bilang ”Culinary Capital of the Philippines.”
”However, while I recognize the noble intention of the authors, I cannot ignore the concerns regarding the declaration’s lack of historical basis, the absence of a thorough study that shows key performance indicators for such designation, and the possibility that the bill may offend sensibilities in other provinces that are equally proud of their culinary contributions,” pahayag ni Marcos.
Sa hiwalay na briefing, sinabi ni Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro na magiging “discriminatory” ang panukala sakaling maisabatas.
Sa social media, inihayag ni Secretary General of the UNESCO National Commission Ivan Henares, ang pag-asang “our Kabalens understand the wisdom behind this veto.”
“It is not saying that Kapampangan cuisine is not good. It just acknowledges that in a nation as diverse as ours, no one region can claim to have the best food. What l’ve realized from travelling the country is that our diversity is our strength,” wika ni Henares na komisyoner din sa National Commission for Culture & Arts.
“We should not be competing with each other for bragging rights and empty titles. Focus on sustainable programs, not just trivial things. Let’s determine ‘key performance indicators’ and work towards those. That goal is best encapsulated by Chef Jam Melchor, ‘ensuring a stronger, more sustainable future for Filipino food and the communities that bring it to life’,” dagdag niya.
Kilala ang Pampanga sa masasarap na pagkain dito. Pinangalanan ang Angeles City, ang pinagmulan ng sisig, na Asia’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination sa World Culinary Awards Gala Ceremony 2024 sa Dubai, United Arab Emirates. RNT/SA
