The city became a recipient of a PHP2-million grant under the Lunsod Lunsad Project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for initiatives that would help strengthen its position as the Creative City of Gastronomy by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The initiatives are listed in the proposed project entitled “The Iloilo City Lunsod Lunsad Creative Gastronomy Mapping, Strategy Development, Showcase.”

“We will have a comprehensive mapping of the gastronomic landscape of Iloilo City. We will profile and map out the culinary assets, practices, and heritage,” said Velma Jane Lao, head of the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Department, in an interview on Wednesday.

They are also releasing a development plan to “exploit the full potential of being a city of gastronomy.”

Also in the pipeline are activities that would showcase the city’s gastronomic delights like exhibits, cooking, tasting, and presentation highlighting Ilonggo food from signature dishes, snacks, and pasalubong (delicacies to bring).

Lao said that an Ilonggo Food Crawl Guide, a curated list of highly recommended dining destinations, culinary experiences, and must-try dishes in Iloilo City, would be introduced as well.

They will also launch an official digital platform to showcase the rich culinary heritage, host a “pagtililipon” or gathering that highlights and celebrates the culinary experience, establish an Ilonggo food circuit, and hold familiarization tours.

“Ultimately, the Iloilo City Lunsod Lunsad Creative Gastronomy Mapping, Strategy Development, Showcase seeks to position Iloilo City as a leading culinary destination with a strong commitment to sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth,” Lao added.

Lao received the award for Iloilo City during a ceremony held in Pasay City on Tuesday.

The Lunsod Lunsad Project is an initiative aimed at harnessing the potential of creative sectors to drive socio-economic growth in local communities, said the DTI. (PNA)