By CESAR JOLITO III

Bacolod City will make history as it hosts the first-ever Terra Madre Asia and Pacific, a regional edition of the globally renowned Terra Madre event, at the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Lagoon and Park from November 19 to 23, 2025.

With the theme “From soil to sea: A slow food journey through tastes and traditions,” the five-day summit will bring together farmers, fisherfolk, cooks, youth, indigenous leaders, researchers, and cultural advocates from across the Asia-Pacific region.

The event aims to celebrate biodiversity and promote sustainable food systems grounded in fairness, tradition and environmental care.

This historic event marks a milestone for the Philippines as Bacolod has been designated as the Slow Food International Hub for Asia Pacific.

It builds upon the success of the Terra Madre Visayas events held in Bacolod in 2023 and 2024.

“This is a turning point, not just for Slow Food in the Philippines, but for the entire region. Terra Madre Asia and Pacific is a space where grassroots wisdom can shape policy, tradition can spark innovation, and the lived experiences of communities take their rightful place in shaping our global food future,” Ramon “Chin Chin” Uy Jr., Slow Food for Southeast Asia councilor, said.

Modeled after the Terra Madre Salone del Gusto in Turin, Italy, this regional edition is expected to highlight the Philippines’ culinary traditions, biodiversity and cultural heritage, and strengthen cross-border collaboration among food producers, chefs, indigenous communities, and youth.

It will also raise public awareness on sustainable agriculture, ethical food practices and climate resilience, in support of the Department of Tourism’s campaign to position the Philippines as a global gastronomy destination./CJ, WDJ