Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco  welcomes President Ferdinand R. Marcos’ endorsement to push the country’s gastronomy tourism, emphasizing in his latest vlog the importance of regional cuisines and the role of food in the world-renowned Filipino brand. 

“Gastronomy tourism kung tawagin dahil nagdadala talaga ng turista pagkain. Food is not just in the stomach, ika nga, dahil nagdadala talaga ng turista ang pagkain. Mahilig tayo sa ganun. We are very hospitable. Yung pinakamagandang regalo mo sa bisita ay masarap na pagkain. Pag-alis nga, yung hindi nakain ay ibabalot nyo pa para meron silang baon. Yan ang ugali ng Pilipino, that’s why yung cuisine at yung hospitality have become such an important part of our lives,” the President said in his latest vlog. 

Stressing the role of gastronomy in the Filipino culture, the President then encouraged the public to patronize and support local Filipino products: “Patuloy po nating suportahan ang ating mga lokal na pagkain at produkto. Suportahan natin ang ating mga MSMEs. Para sa mga OFWs, ipasubok pa natin ang pagkaing Pilipino sa mga kaibigan tapos ay imbitahin na natin dito sa Pilipinas. Mabuhay ang pagkain at panlasang Pinoy!”

For her part,  Secretary   Frasco thanked the  President for his remark stressing that an endorsement from the country’s chief executive is a big boost in helping promote the Philippines’ gastronomy scene both in the domestic and international markets.