A greater and more inclusive collaboration between the Iloilo City Government and partners to tell beautiful stories of Ilonggo gastronomy is currently brewing.
Headed by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and First Lady Rosalie Sarabia-Treñas, an initial Organizational Meeting was called January 18 for the creation of The Iloilo City Cookbook, a showcase of culinary excellence and experience.
According to the city mayor, behind every Ilonggo cuisine is an inspiring and memorable story worth sharing.
“This is not just about one person, this all about us Ilonggos, our chefs, our restaurants, our food, culture and rich resources and most of all, the beautiful stories behind it,” Treñas emphasized.
As UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Iloilo will continue to tell its stories through a publication, with much stronger collaboration and involvement of government agencies like the Department of Agriculture (DA)-6, private sector and the arts community.
The first organizational meeting was joined by DA-6 Regional Director Dennis R. Arpia; Tess Solis and Vic Nabor of DA-6; Chefs Cidj Jalandoni, Ding Montelibano, Miguel Cordova, Miner del Mundo ; writers Vic Salas and Ted Aldwin Ong; artists; private sector volunteers; and key officers of Iloilo City Government.
Other equally important and committed partners are PJ Arañador, Chef Wilson Esperancilla, Eric Divinagracia, John Lex Bayombong, Chef Maridel Uygongco, Corona Villanueva de Leon, and Mia Robles Magalona. (Iloilo City PIO)
