The Department of Tourism (DOT) debuted the first "Philippine Eatsperience" on April 3, a local food market that intends to highlight Filipino cuisine as a vehicle to draw both domestic and foreign tourists, just in time for Filipino Food Month.
The program's idea, however modest at first, is modeled after Taipei's popular night markets, which provide visitors with both a pleasant area for strolling and a wide selection of reasonably priced yet delicious food options.
Situated in Manila's historical sites, such as Intramuros Walled City and Rizal Park, the fair offers both locals and tourists a sample of Philippine cuisine from various regions.
Sharing the spotlight
Christina Frasco, the tourism secretary, says that travelers may anticipate tasty, genuine, and reasonably priced Filipino food, which includes classic street food, underappreciated regional cuisine, and well-known pasalubong sweets and refreshing drinks.
“Our goal is to give as much exposure to Filipino food as possible and this is but the beginning of many initiatives that will highlight the best of Filipino cuisine,” she said.
The initiative is a component of the Philippine Experience Program (PEP), DOT's flagship project that acknowledges the critical role that food has played in forming the nation's tourism scene.
“When you travel, food is part and parcel of your journey. So, food tourism touches upon every single aspect of the tourism sector, whether you're there for the day, whether you're there for several nights, whether you're in transport, or whether you're just visiting a restaurant,” Frasco added.
Food, food, food, local food everywhere!
More than 30 regional food concessionaires and small food companies, including retailers from the Kilometro Zero Organization and other community-based organizations, are included in the Philippine Eatsperience.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have conducted workshops or seminars on culinary arts and food safety for merchants in advance of the project.
DOT ensured that each culinary journey would be accompanied by live entertainment so that guests could enjoy the festivities. A "weekly lineup of food demonstrations and activities'' will be available for the public to partake in as part of Philippine Eatsperience.
