The Department of Tourism (DOT) is making significant strides to position Filipino gastronomy on the global culinary map, marked by the arrival of the MICHELIN Guide in the country. As the prestigious Guide prepares for its much-anticipated 2026 launch in Manila and environs, and Cebu, it underscores the administration’s commitment to showcasing the Philippines’ culinary excellence.
“In the Philippines, gastronomy is embedded in our national tourism strategy through the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028, which our President approved at the beginning of his administration. By way of this plan, we have taken deliberate and focused steps to harness the power of Filipino food—not just as a source of pride, but as a key driver for sustainable and inclusive tourism development. Food, after all, is our love language. It is a reflection of our identity, our culture, and our way of life. From north to south, every region offers a culinary story waiting to be told,” Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.
Michelin Guide expert inspectors are already exploring the vibrant dining scenes of Metro Manila and Cebu. The focus extends as well to the surrounding areas, including Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite, highlighting the rich and diverse culinary offerings of the country.
At the onset of the Marcos Administration, the DOT has pursued the diversification of the country’s tourism portfolio, to highlight products including gastronomy. As may be recalled, the Philippines successfully hosted the inaugural UN Tourism Forum on Gastronomy for Asia and the Pacific in Cebu on June 26, 2024. The groundbreaking event brought together over 600 delegates from more than 40 countries, focusing on how gastronomy tourism can drive community development and sustainability.
The forum showcased the talents of esteemed Filipino chefs, and resulted in the Cebu Call to Action on Gastronomy Tourism.
The DOT also recognized more destinations emerging as culinary powerhouses for the Philippines. Iloilo City earned the title of UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy in 2023, Angeles City in Pampanga was named Asia’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination 2024 by the World Culinary Awards, and Bacolod City has been declared the Slow Food Hub for Asia Pacific, and is set to host Terra Madre Asia Pacific in October this year.
As the Slow Food International Hub for Asia Pacific, Bacolod will highlight traditional food cultures and sustainable practices.
These distinctions further cement the Philippines’ reputation as a center for sustainable and heritage-based gastronomy. As the designated Slow Food International Hub for Asia Pacific, Bacolod will spotlight traditional food cultures and environmentally conscious culinary practices.
“With gastronomy tourism ranking very high in the priorities of the Department of Tourism under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., whose vision is one of tourism transformation, the Slow Food movement in the Philippines is increasing the value proposition of our destinations while fostering regeneration of our natural resources and ingredients, and expanding economic opportunities one meaningful and delicious dish at a time,” the Secretary said in her speech during the 2nd Terra Madre Visayas regional hosting in Negros Occidental last November 21, 2024.
Another project to celebrate “chibog tourism”, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. puts it, is DOT’s “Philippine Eatsperience” initiative, a year-long celebration of Filipino food in Intramuros and Rizal Park featuring offerings from 45 local vendors, the event draws large crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
To sustain this momentum, the DOT unveiled the Strategic Framework and Roadmap for Food and Gastronomy Tourism on May 28, 2025. The framework provides a development guide for tourism stakeholders. The Department likewise introduced Market Tourism as a new sub-product. Through dedicated modules, the program empowers stakeholders to rediscover local markets, document unique regional products, and design curated tour routes—transforming traditional public markets into vibrant tourism hubs.
Additionally, the DOT collaborated with top Filipino chefs and culinary writers to launch the third edition of Kulinarya: A Guidebook to Philippine Cuisine on June 10, 2025. Originally published in 2008, Kulinarya remains a passionate mission to elevate Filipino culinary traditions at home and abroad. The latest edition features notes and insights from acclaimed Filipino chefs, sharing some of the country’s best-kept culinary secrets.
Together, these efforts reflect the Marcos Administration’s bold vision of transforming the Philippines into a premier global culinary destination—enhancing national pride, driving tourism, and fostering sustainable economic growth.
