INQUIRER FILES
Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and three of her “kabalen” (province mates) at the House of Representatives want Pampanga to be officially declared the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines” to further boost the province’s thriving gastronomic tourism.
Together with Arroyo, Kapampangan lawmakers Anna York Bondoc, Carmelo Lazatin II and Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. filed House Bill No. 10014 seeking recognition for the province’s “formidable culinary history” and for being a foodie tourist destination.
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“In Pampanga, talent in cooking and love for food permeate[s] not just restaurants but every corner of every home. Every family member is both an iron chef with an entire household to please and a food critic with strong opinions on everything other family members cook,” they said.
The lawmakers added that the declaration of Pampanga as the country’s culinary capital would “also provide livelihood to many Kapampangans.” —JEANNETTE I. ANDRADE