Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has led Negrenses in paying homage to renowned chef Margarita “Gaita” Fores, who passed away on February 11, leaving a lasting legacy to the province’s organic agriculture and slow food movements.
Fores, 65 years old, traced her roots in Bago City, the hometown of her grandfather, Don J. Amado Araneta.
“Negros Occidental lost an exceptional daughter, a proud member of the illustrious Araneta clan of Bago City, a culinary genius, and a staunch advocate of Negrense cuisine and heritage,” the governor said in a statement on Thursday night, February 13.
Fores’ son Amado announced her passing in an Instagram post, requesting prayers as their family mourns the unexpected loss.
Lacson described Fores as a steadfast supporter of Negrense farmers, organic agriculture and the Negros Slow Food movement.
“Her presence at our events, particularly the annual Negros Trade Fair, will be deeply missed. Her unwavering passion and dedication to her craft will remain an inspiration to us all,” he said.
“Chef Gaita’s culinary mastery not only honored our rich heritage but also continuously elevated and innovated the Filipino cuisine and the Negrense cuisine, helping make Negros Occidental and Negros Island one of the country’s premier food destinations.”
In Bago City, where she hosted a cocktail reception for the 115th birth anniversary of her grandfather in 2022, Mayor Nicholas Yulo and Vice Mayor Ramon Torres also mourned the loss of Fores, a Gawad Bagonhon awardee in 2016.
“We will remember Gaita as a trailblazing woman who, despite her accomplishments in life and her hectic schedules, never forgot her hometown of Bago, the biggest advice according to her that she got from her grandfather,” Yulo said.
“As the visionary behind Cibo and many other remarkable restaurants, Margarita’s talent, passion and dedication elevated Filipino cuisine to new heights, earning her the prestigious title of Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016,” Torres said.
In a separate statement, the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), organizer of the Negros Trade Fair, said Fores “had a deep connection to Negrense cuisine, shaping the way it was celebrated and shared.”
“Her passion for local ingredients, dedication to elevating Filipino flavors, and generosity in mentoring others left a lasting impact on the culinary world. Even beyond the fair, she continued to source ingredients from Negros’ micro, small, and medium enterprises,” the ANP said.
The ANP added that in last year’s 38th Negros Trade Fair media launch, “Fores spoke about Negrense ingredients with the same warmth and enthusiasm she always had.” (PNA)