Aling Lucing's sizzling sisig in Pampanga. Photo by Jeeves de Veyra/File

MANILA (UPDATED) — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has vetoed a bill declaring the province of Pampanga as the "culinary capital of the Philippines," saying there is lack of historical basis for it and out of respect for the diverse culinary traditions of the Philippines, among other considerations.

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In his veto messages sent to House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero, the President noted that while it cannot be denied that Pampanga is celebrated for its “diverse and flavorful dishes, traditional cooking methods, and a strong culture of food innovation,” he said that the Philippine culinary arts "draws its origin from various cultures."

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"Our regions contribute their indigenous dishes with certain recipes that are best done in the areas of origin of their ingredients. All our culinary variations reflect the rich cultural diversity of a group of people scattered among the Philippine islands," Marcos said.

He said that while Filipinos have a shared history and heritage, "our terrains and ethnic characteristics gave us certain differences.”

The vetoed bill sought to encourage the continued promotion and preservation Pampanga's its culinary traditions, adding that the declaration "will also bring about increased tourism, which in turn will create more job opportunities and spur economic growth in local communities."

But Marcos said he cannot ignore concerns regarding the declaration’s “lack of historical basis, absence of a thorough study that shows key performance indicators for such designation, and the possibility that the bill may offend sensibilities in other provinces that are equally proud of their culinary contributions.”

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NO DISRESPECT FOR PAMPANGA AND ITS FOOD

In a Palace briefing, Malacañang Press Officer Claire Castro said that the veto does not mean that Pampanga cuisine is not good or should not be celebrated and promoted, only that other regions in the Philippines also have their own cultures.

“Kung lalabas po na may pipilitin po na isa lamang na rehiyon na parang siya po iyong pinakamasarap, or pinakamagaling, pinakamaganda baka po maisip ng ibang tao specially iyong mga dayuhan na nais pumunta sa Pilipinas isiping iisa lang na rehiyon ang maaari nilang puntahan at sasabihing pinakamaganda at pinakamasarap na pagkain na local foods,” she said.

(If it gives the impression that only one region has the best food, people, especially foreigners who want to come to the Philippines, might think there is only one region in the Philippines that has good food) 

The President, in his veto message, said that one must travel the country’s islands to be able to identify the tastes and flavors that express Philippine culture, noting that “regional variants and their recognizable nuances are what make the palette that is truly Filipino.”

"This richness in terms of regional differences is the strength of our Filipino cuisine,” he said.

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“In consideration of the possibility that the enrolled bill may cause negative cultural implications, discrimination, regional bias, and loss of diversity, I am constrained to veto the [bill]," he added.

Marcos said he looks forward to more beneficial legislation that would highlight the country’s unique culture without sacrificing Philippine culinary diversity. 

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