When you think of Iloilo, great food comes to mind. It was no surprise when, in 2019, the City Council unanimously approved a resolution declaring Iloilo City as a culinary treasure with the tagline "Food Haven of the Philippines."

Iloilo City and the province as a whole is blessed with diverse industries. It has fisher folk bringing in the bounty of the sea, and the landed gentry with their vast cattle, pig, goat, and fowl produce. Of course, our farmers who till the land bring in a variety of crops, both fruit and vegetables, to our markets. With all these advantages, Ilonggos have developed heirloom dishes that can only be experienced in Iloilo.

To strengthen the city's promotion of its culinary wonders, the Iloilo City Government, Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. together with Ilonggo chef and staunch Ilonggo Heritage Cuisine advocate chef Rafael "Tibong" Jardeleza, Jr., who is also instrumental in coining the tagline "Food Haven of the Philippines," came up with the Ilonggo cookbook titled Flavors of Iloilo.

The brainchild of the First Lady of Iloilo City Rosalie Sarabia-Treñas, a true-bloodied Ilongga who hails from a family of hoteliers and restaurateurs, "Flavors of Iloilo" showcases heirloom recipes contributed by prominent Ilonggo families. The project aims to promote Iloilo City and Province as culinary destination in Western Visayas and the Philippines.