President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has vetoed a bill that sought to officially designate Pampanga as the “culinary capital of the Philippines,” citing a lack of historical basis and the need to recognize the country’s diverse regional culinary traditions.
In his veto message addressed to House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Marcos acknowledged Pampanga’s reputation for its “diverse and flavorful dishes, traditional cooking methods, and strong culture of food innovation.”
However, he emphasized that Philippine cuisine is a product of various cultural influences, with each region contributing its own unique flavors and specialties.
"Our culinary heritage is deeply rooted in diverse traditions across the country. Each region contributes indigenous dishes, with recipes best prepared in the areas where their ingredients originate. This diversity reflects the rich cultural identity of our people, scattered across the Philippine islands," Marcos stated.
While recognizing the shared history and heritage of Filipinos, Marcos noted that the country's varying landscapes and ethnic influences have given rise to distinct culinary traditions across different regions.
He also expressed concerns over the lack of historical evidence supporting the designation, the absence of thorough studies with key performance indicators, and the potential for the bill to alienate other provinces equally proud of their culinary contributions.
On possible ‘discrimination’
At a Palace briefing on Thursday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed the veto, clarifying that while the bill had noble intentions, it could unintentionally lead to perceptions of favoritism.
"The bill is well-meaning, but it might create a discrimination," Castro explained in Filipino.
She reassured the public that the veto does not diminish Pampanga’s rich culinary heritage but instead reinforces the idea that every region in the Philippines has its own equally significant food culture that deserves recognition.
"If we declare only one region as the best in terms of food, foreign tourists might get the impression that they should visit only that province for the best local cuisine, when in fact, every region in the Philippines offers something unique and exceptional," Castro added.