MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco extends her congratulations to Iloilo City for its well-deserved recognition in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative Cities Network (UCCN) for Gastronomy on Wednesday, November 1. This achievement not only highlights the city’s cultural significance but also brings attention to the rich tapestry of Iloilo delicacies that contribute to its unique gastronomic identity.
“The Department of Tourism extends its sincerest congratulations to Iloilo City, under the leadership of Mayor Jerry Treñas, for its remarkable entry into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Iloilo City is a gastronomic haven for both Filipinos and international visitors, and a hallmark of our Filipino culinary heritage,” Secretary Frasco expressed regarding this significant achievement.
Secretary Frasco further emphasized, “The Department of Tourism commits to continue its support for our creative cities under the Marcos administration’s thrust to further develop, promote, and expand our tourism product portfolio towards multi-dimensional tourism. This includes a strong focus on the food and creative industries, which will undoubtedly bolster the Philippines’ attractiveness as a preferred destination for travelers. We are eager to visit Iloilo by the end of November for the launch of the Philippine Experience Heritage, Culture, and Arts Caravan for Western Visayas.”
Iloilo City, in the company of 54 other cities announced by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, officially joined the Creative Cities Network on World Cities Day on October 31, 2023.
This designation reflects Iloilo’s rich culinary heritage and reinforces its role in preserving and promoting Philippine food culture through the famous food found in the city.
Best delicacies in Iloilo City
Iloilo City is known for its delectable food offerings, showcasing a fusion of Spanish, Chinese, and indigenous influences.
La Paz Batchoy
Originating from the district of La Paz in Iloilo City, this delectable noodle soup has earned its reputation as one of the national treasures of the Philippines. Prepared with tender pork meat, innards, and flavorful broth, it is garnished with crushed chicharon or crispy fried pork rinds, scallions, and garlic. The combination of ingredients creates a rich and satisfying flavor that can warm the soul. It is best enjoyed with traditional pandesal or rice.
Indulge in the authentic experience of savoring batchoy at the renowned batchoyan, nestled in La Paz Market—the birthplace of this delectable dish. Notable establishments like Ted’s, Deco’s, Netong’s, and Inggo’s have gained recognition for their exceptional batchoy offerings, although the true originator of this dish remains uncertain.
When presented with a steaming bowl of batchoy, Ilonggos have a customary practice of first relishing the rich kaldo, or broth. It is a tradition to request additional kaldo refills before concluding the meal, reflecting a genuine appreciation for this flavorsome Ilonggo delight.
Pancit molo
Pancit Molo, a renowned dish hailing from Iloilo City, has gained national acclaim for its culinary excellence. Named after one of the city’s districts, Pancit Molo is among the most recognizable noodle dishes in the country.
This delectable soup features dumplings filled with savory ground pork, delicately wrapped in wonton wrappers. Complemented by shredded chicken meat and succulent shrimp, it is served in a steaming, fragrant chicken broth. Garnished with aromatic garlic, scallions, and crispy fried garlic, Pancit Molo is the epitome of comfort food that can be relished at any time of the day.
Kadios, baboy, langka
Kadios Baboy Langkas, or K.B.L., is a delightful and hearty soup that is beloved by both locals and tourists alike. This delectable dish combines pigeon peas (kadios), tender pork ribs or belly, and batwan, a native fruit exclusive to the Negros Region and commonly used in local cuisine. These ingredients are simmered together in a flavorful broth, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors that offers a truly satisfying culinary experience.
Biscocho
Biscocho, a beloved traditional snack or pasalubong (take-home treat) in Iloilo City, is a delectable delight. This toasted bread, meticulously coated with a luscious blend of butter and sugar, offers a wonderful balance of flavors. It is best enjoyed alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a velvety mug of hot chocolate. Perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, biscocho is a must-try when visiting Iloilo City.
Darag
This delectable chicken dish made famous by Tatoy’s is beloved by locals and frequently graces the tables during festive gatherings. The chicken is simmered in a luscious blend of coconut milk, turmeric, and an array of aromatic spices, resulting in a tantalizing and flavorful experience. It is usually served with steamed rice and paired with a variety of side dishes, such as pickled vegetables or ensaladang talong (grilled eggplant salad).
Giant siopao
Another must-try option is Roberto’s Queen Siopao. This delectable delicacy is sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. It features a substantial steamed bun filled with succulent pork-chicken adobo and crispy bacon, creating a gastronomic delight that can be savored as a complete and fulfilling meal. For the ultimate experience, indulge in it while it’s piping hot and fresh, straight from the steamer.
Please note that these jumbo-sized buns are not available daily, so it is advisable to check the schedule in advance.
Preserving culinary heritage
The DOT’s Region VI Office recently launched the “Slow Food in Western Visayas” culinary and rural tourism event program in Iloilo City in September, which puts a spotlight on the best food in Iloilo.
DOT Regional Director for Western Visayas, Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez, announced that the Regional Office is developing itineraries to actively promote slow food experiences for tourists, enabling them to engage in and observe food preparation and ingredients farming.
Other food and creative industry projects of the DOT Region VI include the Western Visayas Sugar Heritage Trail, Boracay Food Crawl, Cultural and Film Tourism, including promotional projects for Antique, CineKasimanwa, CineIsla, and the Department’s flagship program: Philippine Experience: Culture, Heritage, and Arts Caravan.
Iloilo City has made history by becoming one of the Philippine cities, alongside Baguio and Cebu City, to join the prestigious UCCN. Baguio City has held the UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art title since 2017, while Cebu City was recognized as the country’s inaugural UNESCO Creative City of Design in 2019.
With these latest additions, the UNESCO Network now boasts 350 cities across more than one hundred countries, spanning seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music.
Launched in 2004, the UCCN primarily aims to foster collaboration among cities that recognize creativity as a fundamental catalyst for sustainable urban development.
Other Iloilo accolades
Iloilo is well-known for its impressive achievements and contributions, earning prestigious awards. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and welcoming hospitality, Iloilo continues to charm both locals and tourists. Whether it’s for its innovative urban development or preservation of historical sites, Iloilo consistently proves its worthiness of recognition.
ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard Award
Iloilo wins ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard Award. This award recognizes cities that excel in multiple areas, such as efficient environmental and waste management systems, promotion of environmental awareness, maintenance of green spaces, and implementation of health and urban safety measures. Additionally, the awarded cities boast well-developed tourism infrastructure, enhancing the overall experience for residents and visitors alike.
Mobility awards
Iloilo City has also been recognized as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the Philippines. The attainment of the Mobility Awards reflects the city’s commitment to promoting eco-friendly transportation through an extensive network of bike lanes and cycle-friendly infrastructure. By prioritizing sustainable urban development, Iloilo City has improved mobility, reduced carbon emissions, and encouraged a healthier lifestyle for its citizens.
Iloilo water resilience initiative
Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and Catholic Relief Services Philippines (CRS Philippines) have joined forces for a groundbreaking collaboration. They aim to enhance water resilience initiatives in the Philippines through the three-year-long Iloilo Water Resilience Initiative (IWARI) Project.
The project’s primary objective is to address the sustainable management of critical watersheds, with a focus on Iloilo province. By improving water availability from the Tigum-Aganan Watershed and Iloilo-Batiano Watershed, IWARI aims to benefit upstream and downstream communities, including Iloilo City.
Additionally, the project is committed to building capacity and supporting stakeholders in Iloilo in their journey towards sustainable natural resource management, particularly in the Tigum-Aganan Watershed.
