CLARK FREEPORT ZONE — President Rodrigo R. Duterte graced on Thursday the first ever Kapampangan Food Festival held at the ASEAN Convention Center.
In his message, the President said that it will be a travesty of justice if he does not pay his respect to the rich and cultural heritage of the Pampangueños.
“When I was in Davao, I have my closest friends, the Lisings. And they are Kapampangans. So whenever I get invited to their house, I feel very happy and excited because Kapampangan cuisine is really very delicious,” Duterte recalled.
He also cited that Pampagueños have more varied menus and recipes compared to other tribes in the country, maybe because of the influences of many races like the Americans and Spaniards.
“Unlike those in the Visayas and Davao which have simpler cuisines, Pampangueños have the best in the Philippines because of the native talent and extreme expertise of Kapampangans when it comes to food,” the President noted.
With this, he challenged the Kapampangans to show to the world what they have to offer – a world class hospitality, sumptuous food and unique heritage.
This, the President said, is one way of spurring economic growth and fostering unity and solidarity in Pampanga and the rest of Central Luzon.
Nineteen municipalities and two cities from Pampanga showcased their best “lutong barrio” specialties during the Kapampangan Food Festival.
The grand food festival aims to showcase the province’s native and authentic delicacies as well as promote Kapampangan culinary heritage.
It is part of the week-long celebration of the 446th Aldo Ning Kapampangan (Pampanga Day), which kicked off Wednesday, December 6.
Kapampangan Food Festival featured culinary offerings from well-acclaimed Kapampangan chefs including Sau Del Rosario, Claude Tayag, Howard Dizon, Lourdes Castro, Judy Uson, and Chloe Ann Caugiran.
Moreover, exhibitors namely Susie’s Cuisine, Carreon’s Delicacy, Delyn’s Delicacy, My Lola Nor’s, and Taldawa Kambingan were likewise present. (CLJD/MJLS-PIA 3)