Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco on Tuesday reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to elevating Filipino cuisine and the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector at Culinaire 2025: Canvas Reimagined, held at the SMX Convention Center.
In her keynote address, Secretary Frasco highlighted that the promotion of Filipino food is a strategic move to foster national pride and economic growth. “We are making sure that the brilliance of Filipino cuisine is finally recognized on the global stage,” she stated. The Secretary emphasized that tourism’s benefits extend beyond major establishments to local communities, including farmers, fisherfolk, market vendors, and small entrepreneurs, ensuring that “when the world has a taste of the Philippines, it nourishes Filipino families and communities as well.”
The Tourism Chief underscored the significant contribution of the sector to the nation’s economy, citing that tourism generated P3.86 trillion in visitor spending in 2024. This represents a nearly 9 percent contribution to the country’s GDP and supported 6.75 million jobs for Filipinos.
Secretary Frasco described gastronomy as a crucial component of the current administration’s tourism strategy, outlining key DOT initiatives designed to champion Filipino food and hospitality. These include the Food and Gastronomy Tourism Roadmap, support for the Philippines’ hosting of the UN Tourism Regional Gastronomy Forum for Asia and the Pacific, the upcoming Terra Madre Asia Pacific in Bacolod, and the highly anticipated arrival of the Michelin Guide in the country.
“Filipino food served with Filipino hospitality has the power to stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the world. This is why the Department of Tourism has elevated gastronomy tourism as a pillar of our national tourism strategy,” Secretary Frasco stressed.
Culinaire 2025, the flagship culinary event of SMX Convention Center, showcased creative collaborations between caterers, suppliers, and artists, blending art and flavor. The event was attended by prominent leaders from both the government and private sectors, including Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano and executives from SM Hotels and Conventions.
