Philippine Ambassador to Italy Neal Imperial has called for responsible stewardship for humanity and the planet through collective action on food choices at the opening of the Slow Food in the Philippines Booth at Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2024 in Turin, Italy.
The Philippine booth showcased the Philippines’ vibrant culinary heritage, commitment to sustainability, and leadership in the Slow Food movement, particularly by the Slow Food Community Promoting and Preserving Traditional Food of Negros Island. It may be recalled that the Slow Food Community of Negros successfully organized Terra Madre Visayas in 2023.
In a news release, Ambassador Imperial underscored that the Philippines’ participation in Terra Madre is a testament to the imperative of food security and sustainable food systems, and lauded the commitment of Negros Island to host the first Terra Madre Asia Pacific in 2025.
The ambassador further welcomed efforts to promote the country’s traditional food culture and to foster pride in the country’s food heritage, which is important in countries where there are many second and third generation Filipinos. Italy hosts around 200,000 Filipinos and Filipino-Italians.
Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez, who declared the opening of the booth, invited the guests to a “salo-salo (get-together),” which featured a talk by Chef Rhea Sycip, and Negros food specialties, such as langka salad, dinuguan and puto, Chicken House inasal, heirloom rice and inanchila, lechon, and cocktails by renowned Filipino bartender, Kalel Demetrio.
The program included remarks from Edie Mukiibi, President of Slow Food International, and a video message from the Senator Loren Legarda, who underscored the country’s dedication to promoting biodiversity and sustainable agricultural practices.
Also present during the opening were Slow Food International Director General Mr. Paolo Di Croce, Philippine Consul General in Milan Elmer Cato, Victorias City Mayor Javier Lopez Benitez, La Castellana Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan, other officials from Slow Food International, Department of Tourism, and local government officials of Negros Island.
At the launch of Bacolod City as the HUB of Slow Food Asia on 27 September 2024, Mayor Albee Benitez led the signing of a memorandum of agreement among Bacolod City, Slow Food International, and Negros Island Community Promoting and Preserving Traditional Food Inc. on the development of Slow Food Programs in Negros, which includes the promotion of food education, building networks, hosting of events, and the establishment of a Slow Food International Office in Bacolod City.
This year’s event, which marks twenty years since the first edition, is recognized as the world’s largest gathering dedicated to sustainable food systems and biodiversity.