The Philippines successfully won the right to host Slow Food International’s first-ever Terra Madre Asia Pacific.

The event will be held in the central Philippine city of Bacolod, one of the country’s culinary epicentres, next year.

Terra Madre Asia Pacific is expected to put Bacolod and Negros Island on the radar of culinary tourists throughout the world.

Slow Food International earlier announced its plan to host the first Terra Madre Asia Pacific in Bacolod City as part of its series of regional events next year.

According to Philippine ambassador to Italy Neil Imperial: “With their rich slow food culture and strong agricultural sector, Bacolod City and Negros are well-positioned to become the ‘Slow Food Capital’ of the Philippines and attract a considerable amount of culinary tourists and advocates of sustainable and organic food and farming from all over the world.”

Taking a stand for global food security

For Imperial, the country’s participation in Turin is a testament to the recognition and importance the Philippines places on food security and sustainable food systems.

He said: “As the world continues to grapple with climate change at the 11th hour, amid the exacerbated climate crises and its devastating impact on food security, the fundamental answer may lie in Terra Madre, and our efforts to respect and heal Mother Earth.”

Imperial added that the Philippines is ready to take on a more prominent and leading role in the slow food movement in Southeast Asia as it stands poised to host the Terra Madre Asia Pacific in 2025.

The Slow Food in the Philippines booth at the 2024 Terra Madre Salone del Gusto showcased the country’s 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.