DOT advances gastronomy tourism

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco gathered chefs, culinary advocates, tourism officers, and hotel executives on Wednesday (June 25) to tackle the national government’s strategic efforts under President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s administration to position Filipino cuisine as an important component of the country’s tourism development.

Held at NUSTAR Resort and Casino Cebu, the event brought together around 70 stakeholders who discussed the role of food and gastronomy as drivers of cultural identity, economic opportunity, and global recognition.

Secretary Frasco reiterated how the DOT has elevated gastronomy tourism through flagship programs, including the Philippine Experience Program, local market tours, farm-to-table initiatives, the hosting of the first UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific in Cebu, and the upcoming country hosting of Terra Madre Asia Pacific in Bacolod. She also highlighted the Tourism Kulinarya training program for returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as well as the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence program.

The tourism chief also highlighted the upcoming inclusion of Manila, its surrounding areas, and Cebu in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Philippines—set for release in late 2025—as a major milestone in elevating the country’s global culinary reputation.

Guests were treated to a specially curated menu that reimagined local flavors—featuring prawn kinilaw pani puri with okra salsa, humba popsicles with soft-boiled quail eggs, Bakasi bonbons, and saang sisig tacos. The standout dish was squid risotto with larang-glazed barramundi, capped by a dessert medley of Cebu mango served three ways: tiramisu, pavlova, and sans rival—celebrating the creative possibilities of Filipino ingredients.

Among those in attendance were NUSTAR General Manager Roel Constantino, Tadhana NYC founder Frances Tariga, Cebu Food and Wine Festival Chair Kate Dychangco-Anzani, NUSTAR Assistant Vice President for Business Development Katrina Mae De Jesus, NUSTAR Cluster Director of Sales and Marketing Maria Cristina Ong-Cruz, DOT Undersecretaries Verna Buensuceso and Ferdinand Jumapao, Assistant Secretary Ronald Conopio, Director Paulo Benito Tugbang, OIC Director Alex Macatuno, along with other tourism stakeholders.