Department of Tourism Sec. Christina Garcia Frasco met with a group of the country’s top chefs to map out possible booster in developing food tourism in the Philippines.

During the meeting, Frasco tackled the importance of production and uniqueness of Filipino ingredients and delicacies that is highly competitive and being praised in many places in Southeast Asia, America and other countries.

“We recognize the importance of gastronomy not only in our day-to-day sustenance but also in our identity as a nation. We have identified food tourism as one of the anchor priority programs for the Department, moving forward. I am aware that we won't be achieving any success in this endeavor if we don’t reach out and collaborate with those who have a wealth of knowledge in this industry, that is every one of you,” said Frasco .

Present were television personality and club owner Tim Yap, - Happy Ongpauco, Jessie Sincioco, Chele Gonzales, Miko Calo, Florabel Co, Tippi Tambunting, Gilbert Pangilinan, and Josh Boutwood.

They raised the challenges of the industry, particularly on product promotions, the vital information channels, the need to reintroduce basics in Filipino cuisine, and the need to address logistical concerns that hamper the delivery of ingredients to local businesses.

The group of chefs assured Frasco of full support.

Frasco, for her part, assured that the DOT will develop tourism circuits specifically focused on promoting local restaurants and cuisines in tourism destinations pursuant to the goal of introducing multi-dimensional tourism. (Jun Marcos Tadios)