The Department of Tourism (DOT) has launched its newest food tourism program, the “Philippines Eatsperience” to showcase local cuisine and popular Filipino street food, starting in two popular landmarks in Manila —the Rizal Park and Intramuros.

The program’s concept, albeit beginning small, follows the likes of the famous Ugbo Street food hub and Taipei’s tourist-drawing night markets, giving tourists a nice space for a stroll and at the same time a variety of affordable but good food offerings.

The Filipino lifestyle and food market will be open to the public from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Thursday to Sunday) in Luneta, and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Intramuros daily.

The food hubs are located at the Noli Me Tangere Garden in Luneta and the historic Baluarte Plano de Isabel at the walled city of Intramuros.

“Our goal is to give as much exposure to Filipino food as possible and this is but the beginning of many initiatives that will highlight the best of Filipino cuisine,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said during the launch on Wednesday.

The program is part of DOT’s flagship project, the Philippine Experience Program (PEP), which recognizes the pivotal role of food and gastronomy in shaping the country’s tourism landscape.

“When you travel, food is part and parcel of your journey. So, food tourism touches upon every single aspect of the tourism sector, whether you’re there for the day, whether you’re there for several nights, whether you’re in transport, or whether you’re just visiting a restaurant,” Frasco said.

“That is why we find food tourism to be an essential component of the Marcos administration’s thrust towards highlighting the Filipino identity. There is no Philippine experience that is complete without Filipino food,” she added.

Meanwhile, Frasco hoped other local government units would also partner with the DOT as it prepares for the Philippine Eatsperience rollout nationwide.

In the initial launch in Luneta and Intramuros, more than 30 food and beverage businesses were tapped to participate in the program.

Culinary training and seminars on food safety were also provided to them through the Intramuros Administration and the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC).

Also joining Frasco during the launch were Malaysian Ambassador Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Thailand Ambassador Tull Traisorat, NPDC Executive Director Cecille Lorenzana-Romero, Intramuros Administrator Joan Padilla, and National Commission for Culture and Arts Chairman Victorina Manalo, among others. (PNA)