As Cebu successfully conducts the first UN food tourism event in Asia, Secretary-General of the United Nations Tourism Zurab Polikashvili has suggested the creation of a gastronomy teaching center in the nation.
According to Polikashvili, this might be considered a lasting legacy of the first-ever UN Tourism Regional Gastronomy Tourism Forum in Asia and the Pacific, which took place on June 26 at Shangri-La Mactan and brought together over 500 attendees.
“We know that education is the top priority for your tourism key player and we all will support this initiative to have the presence of UN Tourism if you would support this idea,” he said.
Stamped with Philippine food culture
According to Polikashvili, the "signature warmth of the Filipino hospitality" served as the inspiration for the project, which came to him suddenly in his speech.
The suggestion was welcomed by DOT Secretary Christina Frasco and Director of Masters and Courses at the Basque Culinary Center, Idoia Calleja.
"We are certainly very open to any discussions whether it be funding, curriculum, and the like. We have the support of the national government and, importantly as well, we have the support of those that will help us in the flourishing of this academy, our chefs, not to mention the Basque Culinary Center," said Frasco.
If the proposal is approved, the Basque Culinary Center (BCC), according to Director of Masters and Courses Idoia Calleja, is willing to work with other organizations for a smooth implementation.
"I am very happy to share our vision of education in gastronomy of the Philippine center which is important to elevate the level of chefs ability to work with a lot of sectors and to promote gastronomy," said Calleja.
PH food experience
Food tourism has "enormous potential for economic growth and advancement and cultural exchange among nations," according to Frasco, who described the industry as vibrant and expanding.
From the globally renowned Cebu lechon, and the comforting tastes of adobo and sinigang, to Mindanao’s distinctive dishes like curacha and pastil, our culinary heritage is rich and varied,” she said.
Polikashvili affirmed that the UN Tourism is prepared to offer the Philippines advice on how to develop new business ideas, such the growth of gastronomic tourism as an economic engine, in order to create more jobs.
