Iloilo Earns UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy Designation
Iloilo City has been officially recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a Creative City of Gastronomy. The city is the first in the Philippines to receive this designation, joining a network of 350 cities in over 100 countries committed to promoting sustainable urban development through creative industries.
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) aims to foster international cooperation among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development. Iloilo City’s designation as a Creative City of Gastronomy recognizes its unique culinary identity and its commitment to promoting local food culture and traditions. The city’s rich history and diverse cultural influences have contributed to a vibrant food scene that showcases the best of Western Visayas cuisine.
Iloilo City’s recognition as a Creative City of Gastronomy is a testament to its efforts to promote and preserve its culinary heritage. The designation is expected to boost tourism and economic development in the city, as well as provide opportunities for cultural exchange and collaboration with other cities in the UCCN. As a Creative City of Gastronomy, Iloilo City is poised to become a hub for culinary innovation and creativity in the Philippines and beyond.
Iloilo City: The UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy
The announcement was made on October 31, 2023, coinciding with the observance of World Cities Day. This recognition is a testament to the city’s rich culinary heritage and unique gastronomic experience.
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) is a global network of cities recognized for contributing to the fields of crafts and folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, music, and media arts. The UCCN aims to promote cooperation among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development.
Iloilo City’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy results from its rich culinary heritage, a blend of indigenous, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences. The city’s cuisine is known for its unique flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques. Ilonggo cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh seafood, meats, and vegetables, as well as its distinct sauces and condiments.
The recognition of Iloilo City as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy is expected to boost the city’s tourism industry and promote its cuisine to a global audience. This designation will also provide opportunities for the city to collaborate with other cities in the UCCN and share best practices in the field of gastronomy.
The Significance of the Title
The title of UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy is a significant achievement for Iloilo City. It recognizes the city’s rich cultural heritage and contribution to the creative fields of gastronomy and food culture. The title places Iloilo City among other notable gastronomic cities such as Chengdu in China, Parma in Italy, and Ensenada in Mexico.
The recognition also highlights the importance of creativity and innovation in preserving cultural heritage. Iloilo City’s rich culinary traditions and unique food culture are a testament to its cultural heritage. The title recognizes the city’s efforts to preserve and promote its culinary traditions and to create a vibrant food culture that celebrates its heritage.
The UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy title also has practical implications for Iloilo City. It can boost tourism and economic development by attracting food enthusiasts and gastronomic travelers worldwide. It can also create opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs to showcase their culinary creations and promote their products to a global audience.
Moreover, the title can inspire creativity and innovation in the local food industry. It can encourage chefs, restaurateurs, and food entrepreneurs to experiment with new flavors, techniques, and ingredients while staying true to the city’s culinary traditions and heritage. It can also foster collaborations and partnerships among local food businesses, artists, and cultural institutions to create a vibrant and dynamic food culture.
The Creative Cities Network
The Creative Cities Network initiative was launched by UNESCO in 2004 to promote cooperation and cultural exchange among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development. The network brings together cities from all over the world that are committed to sharing experiences, best practices, and knowledge to foster creativity and innovation in various fields, including music, literature, film, crafts and folk art, design, media arts, and gastronomy.
Understanding the Network
The Creative Cities Network is based on the idea that cities can learn from each other and collaborate to achieve common goals. The network provides a platform for cities to exchange ideas and experiences, develop joint projects, and promote cultural diversity and sustainable development. The network is also a recognition of the role that cities play in shaping cultural and creative industries and as drivers of economic growth and social cohesion.
Cities that are part of the Creative Cities Network are selected based on a rigorous evaluation process that takes into account their cultural assets, their commitment to creativity and innovation, and their potential to contribute to the network’s objectives. The selection process is carried out by an independent panel of experts in the relevant fields, and the final decision is made by the Director-General of UNESCO, currently Audrey Azoulay.
List of Cities in UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy
Iloilo City’s recent inclusion in the Creative Cities Network as a City of Gastronomy makes it the first city in the Philippines to join the network. Iloilo City joins a diverse group of cities from around the world that have been recognized for their contributions to creativity and innovation. Some of the other cities in the network include:
- Afyonkarahisar, Turkey (2019)
- Alba, Italy (2017)
- Arequipa, Peru (2019)
- Belém, Brazil (2015)
- Belo Horizonte, Brazil (2019)
- Bendigo, Australia (2019)
- Bergamo, Italy (2019)
- Bergen, Norway (2015)
- Buenaventura, Colombia (2015)
- Burgos, Spain (2015)
- Chengdu, China (2010)
- Panama City, Panama (2017)
- Cochabamba, Bolivia (2017)
- Dénia, Spain (2015)
- Ensenada, Mexico (2015)
- Florianópolis, Brazil (2014)
- Gaziantep, Turkey (2015)
- Hatay, Turkey (2017)
- Hyderabad, India (2019)
- Iloilo City, Philippines (2023)
- Jeonju, South Korea (2012)
- Macao, China (2017)
- Mérida, Mexico (2019)
- Östersund, Sweden (2010)
- Overstrand Hermanus, South Africa (2019)
- Paraty, Brazil (2017)
- Parma, Italy (2015)
- Phuket, Thailand (2015)
- Popayan, Colombia (2005)
- Portoviejo, Ecuador (2019)
- Rasht, Iran (2015)
- San Antonio, Texas, United States of America (2017)
- Shunde, China (2014)
- Tsuruoka, Japan (2014)
- Tucson, Arizona, United States of America (2015)
- Yangzhou, China (2019)
- Zahlé, Lebanon (2013)
Each of these cities has its unique cultural identity and creative industries, and they all share a commitment to promoting creativity and innovation in their communities. The network provides a platform for these cities to collaborate, share their experiences, and learn from each other’s successes and challenges.
The Creative Cities Network is an important initiative in the field of urban planning and development, and it highlights the role that culture and creativity can play in building sustainable and vibrant cities.
The network also allows cities to celebrate their cultural heritage and showcase their creative industries on a global stage. World Cities Day, observed on October 31 every year, is a reminder of the importance of cities in shaping our world, and the Creative Cities Network is a testament to the power of cities to shape our cultural and creative future.
Contribution of the Ilonggo People
Ilonggo’s are proud of their Culinary Heritage, and any visitor can attest to that. The Ilonggo chefs, stakeholders, and local government are working closely to promote their cuisine not only to fellow Filipinos but to the rest of the World.
On October 14, 2022, Chef Rafael “Tibong” Javier Jardeleza Jr., in partnership with the Iloilo City government, launched a coffee table book titled Flavors of Iloilo.
Chef Tibong is a passionate advocate for Ilonggo heritage cooking, and his dedication to promoting the region’s cuisine has been demonstrated by the success of the 10th annual Tabu-an Western Visayas Ilonggo Heritage Cuisine Cooking Competition.
In partnership with SM Iloilo, the Tabu-an cooking competition strives to celebrate local recipes and ingredients while discovering new talents in the culinary world. The recent installment of this competition has been a resounding success, and it is clear that Ilonggos take great pride in sharing their traditional culinary heritage.
Iloilo City’s Culinary Heritage
Iloilo City’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy is a testament to its rich culinary heritage. The city boasts a unique blend of Spanish, Chinese, and Malay influences, making its cuisine a melting pot of flavors and textures.
Traditional Ilonggo Cuisine
Iloilo is home to some of the most beloved traditional dishes in the Philippines. From the iconic La Paz Batchoy to Pancit Molo, these Ilonggo heirloom dishes have been passed down from generation to generation. But it doesn’t stop there. The city is also renowned for its signature dishes like K.B.L. (Kadyos, Baboy, at Langka), the charcoal-roasted native chicken Darag, the giant siopao, and fresh seafood. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll find something to love in Iloilo’s gastronomy.
Another notable aspect of Ilonggo cuisine is “timplada,” the art of Ilonggo cuisine. Timplada refers to the unique blend of spices and herbs used in Ilonggo dishes, resulting in a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from other Philippine cuisines.
Culinary Events and Projects
Iloilo City’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy has also led to various culinary events and projects. In 2021, the city hosted the Ark of Taste Talk, a forum that discussed preserving local food culture. The event highlighted the importance of preserving traditional Ilonggo dishes and ingredients, such as the native black rice and the Ilonggo version of the adobo.
In 2022, Iloilo City hosted the Food and Tourism for Rural Development in Western Visayas and Pangyam-is Talk, which focused on promoting sustainable tourism and rural development through food. The Western Visayas Sugar Trail, a project to promote the region’s rich sugar heritage, was also launched in Iloilo City.
Not only does the city host a range of culinary competitions and events, such as the Philippine Cookbook Photoshoot, the World Food Expo, and the Chefs’ Food Trip Project, but it also plays host to the Tabu-an Cooking Competition, which celebrates the city’s traditional dishes and is a must-see event for food lovers.
The Department of Tourism Region VI also organizes several food and creative industry projects, such as the Boracay Food Crawl, Cultural and Film Tourism, and the Philippine Experience: Culture, Heritage, and Arts Caravan, which promote Antique, CineKasimanwa, and CineIsla.
The DOT’s Region VI Office recently unveiled the “Slow Food in Western Visayas” culinary and rural tourism event program in Iloilo City in September, offering a unique opportunity to explore the region’s culture through its food.
DOT Regional Director for Western Visayas, Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez, expressed her excitement about the program, which will provide tourists with the chance to immerse themselves in the local gastronomy by participating in food preparation and ingredients farming. With this initiative, the Region VI Office strives to create a memorable and meaningful experience for all visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Iloilo being named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy?
Iloilo being named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy is significant because it recognizes the city’s rich culinary heritage and its efforts to preserve and promote its traditional cuisine. This designation also helps to raise awareness and appreciation for Iloilo’s unique food culture, which can boost tourism and economic development in the region.
Additionally, being part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network provides opportunities for Iloilo to collaborate with other cities worldwide and share best practices in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
What are some of the unique dishes and culinary traditions of Iloilo?
Iloilo is known for its rich culinary traditions and unique dishes that reflect the city’s history and culture. Some popular dishes in Iloilo include La Paz Batchoy, Pancit Molo, Kadyos Baboy Langka, and Chicken Inasal. The city also has a vibrant street food scene, with vendors selling various snacks like binakol, puto, and kakanin.
What steps did Iloilo take to become a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy?
Iloilo took various steps to become a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, including the promotion of its local food culture, collaborations with stakeholders, and the development of sustainable food systems. The city also organized various food festivals and events to showcase its culinary heritage and attract tourists.
How will being a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy benefit Iloilo and its residents?
Being a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy will benefit Iloilo and its residents in several ways. It will boost the city’s tourism industry, create more job opportunities, and promote the preservation of its culinary heritage. The designation will also provide a platform for Iloilo to collaborate with other Creative Cities and share best practices in promoting sustainable development through food culture.
What other cities in the Philippines have been named UNESCO Creative Cities?
Aside from Iloilo, other cities in the Philippines that have been named UNESCO Creative Cities are Baguio (Crafts and Folk Art) and Cebu City (Design).
What criteria does UNESCO use to determine which cities are designated as Creative Cities?
UNESCO uses various criteria to determine which cities are designated as Creative Cities, including the city’s contribution to the field, the quality of its creative industries, and its commitment to promoting sustainable development through creativity and innovation. The selection process also considers the city’s potential to create social, economic, and cultural benefits for its residents and stakeholders.
Iloilo Travel and Tour Packages
Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels and Resorts in Iloilo City, Philippines, via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
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