Bernadette E. Tamayo
Journal Online
August 16, 2011

SENATOR Francis Pangilinan is hoping that the new tourism secretary will promote “Filipino cuisine” to attract foreign and local visitors which will benefit both the tourism and agriculture sectors.

He made the recommendation following the resignation of Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim last week. “The promotion of Philippine native cuisine and delicacies will give a strong shot in the arm for our agriculture and fisheries sector and for the food industry that directly springs from agri and fisheries,” said Pangilinan.

The  chairman of the Senate Commitee on Agriculture and Food, noted that “20 years ago, Thai and Vietnamese foods were unknown in major cities worldwide.”

Sen.Francis Escudero also hopes that Lim’s replacement will be more “pro-active in pushing Philippine tourism.”

”That isn’t the case today. What Vietnam and Thailand achieved in the last 20 years the Philippines can do in the next 20 years. Placing Philippine native cuisine in the world map isn’t far-fetched,” he said.

”Philippine seafood is arguably the best in the world. Our lobsters, oysters, shrimps, mussels, fish, and crabs are better tasting than those produced elsewhere. The next DOT chief must place food in the centerpiece of the Philippine tourist experience,” Pangilinan said.

”In spite of the presence of large Filipino communities around the world, Filipino cuisine hasn’t yet broken out into the global marketplace—at least not the way the cuisine of its neighbors have captivated global tastebuds. It’s time for us to show the world that Filipino cuisine, just like our beaches and our people, is truly world-class.”

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