Iloilo City Of Gastronomy

𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐊𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐎 𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐑 𝐂𝐀𝐌𝐏 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

As a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Iloilo City believes that nurturing a food culture begins with empowering the next generation.

A total of 189 young Ilonggos proudly received their chef’s hats as graduates of the Batang Kusinero Summer Camp, a youth gastronomy program of the Iloilo City Government implemented through the Technical Institute of Iloilo City (TIIC), and the Iloilo City of Gastronomy initiative.

Throughout the camp, participants gained hands-on experience in baking and cooking, learning how to prepare favorites such as pizza, malunggay pandesal, cupcakes and other dishes while developing practical culinary skills, creativity, teamwork, and confidence in the kitchen.

More than a summer activity, the program reflects Iloilo City’s commitment to cultivating future culinary talents and fostering a deeper appreciation for food and the opportunities it creates for communities.

Through initiatives like Batang Kusinero, Iloilo continues to strengthen the foundations of its vibrant gastronomy sector and inspire young Ilonggos to become part of its future.

📷 S. Bacinillo & J. Tuson/Iloilo City PIO

𝐏𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞! 🚲

Join the 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐨 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐥 for a ride filled with local eats, culture, and unforgettable experiences. From iconic Ilonggo dishes to scenic heritage streets, this cycling adventure brings together food, community, and the vibrant spirit of Iloilo City in one exciting journey.

𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐬 during the opening of the 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐨 𝐁𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔!

Gather your fellow bikers and foodies and be part of this one-of-a-kind cycling and food adventure!

From Flavors to Futures: Empowering Youth Through Iloilo’s Gastronomy Story

In line with the UNESCO Clubs Philippines Regional Assembly - Western Visayas, held at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Session Hall, Ma’am Leny Ledesma, Executive Assistant to the Mayor and Focal Point for Iloilo City of Gastronomy UCCN Designation, shared Iloilo City’s inspiring journey as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy with youth leaders and delegates from across the region.

The session centered on empowering and collaborating with the youth, highlighting their important role in preserving heritage, promoting sustainability, and shaping the future of creative communities through culture and gastronomy.
Through the discussion, delegates learned about Iloilo City’s rich culinary heritage, signature Ilonggo flavors, and continuing commitment to championing fresh, local, and endemic ingredients deeply rooted in tradition and community.

More than sharing Iloilo’s gastronomy story, the session became a meaningful exchange of ideas on how young leaders and organizations can actively contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development in their own communities.

As a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Iloilo City continues to show that food is more than nourishment - it is heritage, identity, collaboration, and a powerful tool for building inclusive and sustainable futures.

Where powerful women, meaningful stories, Ilonggo heritage, and world-class flavors come together.

In celebration of Heritage Month, Iloilo City proudly welcomed Woman Playwrights International (WPI) at the historic Ker & Company LTD Building for a meaningful gathering of culture, creativity, gastronomy, and global connection in the Philippines’ first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. 🌾🍽️🎭

The event highlighted Iloilo’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant creative spirit through conversations that honored storytelling, women in the arts, and the city’s unique culinary identity, all within one of Iloilo’s historic heritage structures.

The program featured:
💬 Welcome Remarks by Hon. Miguel Treñas in behalf of Mayor Raisa Treñas
📖 “Treasured Stories of Iloilo City as UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy” by Ms. Leny Ledesma, Focal Point of Iloilo City UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy
🌏 Appreciation Response by Ms. Rosemary Johns, Oceania Region Representative and Vice President, Interim Management Committee of Woman Playwrights International

As Iloilo celebrates Heritage Month, the city continues to preserve and promote its lore, legacy, lifestyle, and gastronomy, showcasing how heritage is not only remembered through historic spaces and traditions, but also through food, art, literature, and the voices of women shaping stories across generations.

From powerful narratives on stage to shared meals that bring communities together, this cultural exchange reflected the heart of Iloilo: creative, welcoming, and deeply rooted in heritage.
Because in Iloilo, every story has flavor, and every flavor tells a story. ❤️