Quezon City officials, led by Mayor Joy Belmonte (4th from left) and Guinness World Records official adjudicator Sonia Ushirogochi (right photo) present the award given to the Philippines for achieving the world record for the “most number of pork dishes” on display. Contributed photos
MANILA — The Philippines has bagged a new world record for the “most number of pork dishes” displayed during Quezon City’s Hog Festival 2024.
The fair kicked-off in Gateway 2, Araneta Center in Cubao, on Saturday, and according to the National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc. (NatFed), the event celebrates the local pork industry’s resilience and promotes the consumption of fresh, clean, and safe pork as it highlights the country’s unique and rich culinary tradition.
The record-setting 313 pork dishes from various individuals, restaurants, and schools were displayed during the hog festival, where Guinness World Records official adjudicator Sonia Ushirogochi also formally announced that the Philippines achieved history for most varieties of pork dishes on display.
She presented the Guinness World Records certificate to NatFed, and it was witnessed by Sen. Cynthia Villar, Agriculture Secretary Fransisco Tiu Laurel, and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte.
A total of 341 pork dishes were submitted to Guinness but 28 failed to meet the guidelines.
The local government, through the Quezon City Business Permits and Licensing Department and Quezon City Veterinary Department, ensured that the group followed proper protocols in the preparation of the dishes.
Each pork dish, served with a minimum of three kilos each, was sourced from local hog producers, and delicacies prepared include the traditional adobo, sinigang, and humba, as well as tweaked specialties pork tenderloin fajitas and creamy paprika pork.
“This feat is another proud moment for the city, proving once again that once we set a goal, we work as one until we achieve it,” Belmonte said.
“The commitment shown by the participants in meticulously preparing these delectable dishes is truly remarkable. We thank the hog raisers for choosing our city to host this year’s world record vying festival,” she added.
This combination photos show the venue for the QC Hog FEstival 2024 (left), and the presentation of a pork dish by government officials like Sen. Cynthia Villar, Agriculture Secretary Fransisco Tiu Laurel, and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, as well as executives of the National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc. Contributed photo
NatFed Chairman Chester Warren Tan said they are promoting Filipino pork and linking institutions like hotels, restaurants, carinderias, and home cooking mothers to hog farmer-producers through the festival.
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He also said that the event helps promote inclusive towns like Quezon City and the Philippines as a tourism destination.
In her keynote speech, Sen.Viilar said the hog festival would boost the country’s tourism, generate jobs and improve local economy.
“Pinoy’s love for pork will remain so we need to find good sources of pork,” she said.
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Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Laurel vowed that the government will help hasten the recovery of the local hog industry from the African swine fever (ASF).
The five day- festivities hoped to lessen dependence of hotels and restaurants on imported pork, and promote inclusive places like Quezon City as a food tourism destination and culinary center.