News Release

PBBM urges Filipinos, overseas workers to support MSMEs, promote local cuisines through gastronomic tourism



President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged the people, especially the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to support micro-small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and help promote the Filipino cuisine around the world.

“Patuloy po natin suportahan ang ating mga lokal na pagkain at produkto. Suportahan natin ang ating mga MSMEs. Sa mga OFW, ipasubok pa natin ang pagkaing Filipino sa ating mga kaibigang dayuhan. Tapos ay imbitahin na natin dito sa atin sa Pilipinas,” President Marcos said.

The President said he has tried some Filipino dishes including the popular street food “pares,” which is now making the rounds online.

In his latest vlog on YouTube entitled “Chibog,” President Marcos highlighted the rich Filipino cuisine, which is already gaining popularity in many parts of the world and has been the subject of many food vloggers.

He also cited the online site TasteAtlas, which included the Philippines in its top 100 countries with the best food; Makati City as one of the “best food cities and region in the world; Sinigang placed 97th for best dishes; Lumpiang Shanghai as 93rd for best street food; and “Pinoy cooking” at 33rd spot for best cuisines in the world.

The President said the ranking of the Philippines in the online site will further improve if the world will discover and sample Filipino cuisine and eventually bring in more tourists in the country through “gastronomic tourism.”

“Food does not just feed the stomach ika nga, it also feeds the soul,” he added.

The President also gamely responded to questions from the netizens, including questions about his favorite street food, his and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos comfort food, and the favorite food of their sons Sandro, Simon and Vinny.

Asked if what food or restaurant in Ilocos Norte he would recommend to be given a Michelin Star, President Marcos mentioned many delicacies including the “Dinardaraan,” Bagnet, Empanada, Miki and grilled seafood, among others.

The President also shared the kind of food he is good at cooking that can be viewed on his latest vlog. *PND*