(Photo courtesy of PCO)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the growing global recognition of Filipino cuisine as an opportunity to strengthen Philippine tourism and create more livelihood opportunities for farmers, fisherfolk, food producers, and small businesses.
Speaking at the Michelin Guide Ceremony for Manila and Environs at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City on Thursday, October 29, 2026, Marcos emphasized that Filipino food represents the country’s identity, culture, and tradition of hospitality.
“When we launched the Guide last year, our goal was to promote gastronomy and tourism. We wanted to express who we are as a nation, as a people, and as a culture in a language everyone can appreciate: food,” Marcos said.
The President stressed that food plays an important role in Filipino culture, serving as a way to strengthen family ties, welcome visitors, and build connections with others.
“For Filipinos, food is never just about food. It is how we welcome guests, how we bring our families together, and share a little of ourselves with others,” he said.
He added that Filipino culinary traditions continue to flourish as local chefs introduce innovative approaches to showcasing Philippine cuisine on the international stage.
Marcos said the increasing recognition of Filipino gastronomy could attract more international visitors and further position the Philippines as a culinary tourism destination.
“These stories show how Filipino culinary traditions continue to thrive, while our chefs find new ways to bring our cuisine to the rest of the world,” he said.
Beyond tourism, the President emphasized that the growing interest in Filipino cuisine should translate into economic opportunities for communities involved in the country’s food industry.
“We want this growing interest in Philippine cuisine and hospitality to create opportunities for more Filipinos,” Marcos said.
He noted that increased demand for Filipino food could benefit farmers, fisherfolk, local food producers, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting Filipino culinary excellence while ensuring that the benefits of international recognition extend beyond restaurants to local communities and businesses.
The Michelin Guide is internationally recognized for evaluating restaurants and highlighting culinary excellence, providing an additional platform for showcasing Philippine cuisine to global audiences.
