(Screengrab from the official YouTube account of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr.) 

QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – In his latest vlog entitled “Chibog,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. took pride in the inclusion of the Philippines to the Top 100 countries with the best food. 

The ranking was according to the review of TasteAtlas, an online site dedicated to providing a catalog  of traditional dishes, local ingredients, and authentic food hubs across the globe. 

“Talagang maipagmamalaki natin sa buong mundo ang mga pagkain natin dahil iba talaga ang flavor ng Filipino cuisine,” said Marcos. 

(We can really be proud of our food in the whole world because the flavor of Filipino cuisine is indeed unique.) 

In particular, TasteAtlas placed the city of Makati as one of the “best food cities and regions” in the world. The famous Filipino tamarind-based stew “Sinigang” meanwhile placed 97th under the category of best dishes. 

Shanghai or Filipino spring rolls secured the 93rd spot for best street food while the overall “Pinoy cooking” was ranked 33rd in terms of best cuisines. 

In light of the positive review, President Marcos encouraged more people to further spread the warmth and authenticity of Filipino food by supporting the local food production sector. He also urged the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the country’s tourism ambassadors, to help promote Filipino cuisine among international neighbors. 

“Patuloy po natin suportahan ang ating mga lokal na pagkain at produkto. Suportahan natin ang ating mga MSMEs. Sa mga OFW, ipasubok pa natin ang pagkaing Filipino sa ating mga kaibigang dayuhan. Tapos ay imbitahin na natin dito sa atin sa Pilipinas,” said President Marcos, highlighting the vital role of gastronomy as part of the core of Filipino culture.  

[Let us continue to support our local food and products. Let us support our MSMEs (micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises). To OFWs, allow our international friends to try Filipino food and let’s invite them to the Philippines.] 

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, on the other hand, shared the sentiments of President Marcos in terms of the importance of regional cuisines in the larger promotion of the authentic Filipino brand. 

“Kami po sa Department of Tourism ay masayang masaya sapagkat mismong ang ating Presidente Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. ang nagpapatunay sa buong mundo kung gaano kasarap ang pagkain natin sa Pilipinas. Tama po si PBBM sa pagsasabi na ang pinakamagandang regalo mo sa bisita ay masarap na pagkain,” Frasco remarked. 

(We in the Department of Tourism are delighted to see that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. himself attests to the good tasting food in the Philippines. PBBM is right when he said that the most thoughtful gift you could ever give to your visitors is good food.) 

Frasco also cited the promotion of gastronomy tourism which can further place the wide array of Filipino cuisine in the international food map. 

“Embracing the diverse flavors of our nation is not just about satisfying palates; it's about unlocking the rich tapestry of culture, history, and tradition that defines us. In promoting food tourism, we invite the world to embark on a culinary journey through the Philippines, where every dish tells a story and every meal fosters connections,” Frasco stressed. 

Read: 

Intramuros, Luneta lets you ‘eatsperience’ Filipino heritage and culture 

Taste the culinary heritage of your city in the ‘Flavors of NCR’ Food Festival 

The Department of Tourism (DOT) identifies food tourism as one of its priority products as outlined in the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028. 

The tourism department is continuously engaging in activities that will help promote the country and its tourism products. Among these include the hosting of the 1st United Nations Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific, the implementation of the Philippine Experience Program (PEP), and the projected launching of the country’s first Halal Travel and Tourism Expo in Manila. (JMP/PIA-NCR)