ILOILO CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT)-6 is seeking to expand the slow food movement in Western Visayas.

“We want to expand the slow food to other provinces of Western Visayas,” said DOT-6 Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez.

A NATIVE sweetened rice delicacy, known as ‘pusô,’ of Panay, Capiz, is showcased at the Slow Food Western Visayas event in Iloilo City. (Tara Yap)

“We want Western Visayas to be a hub. Food is a very important part of tourism. A tourist’s experience cannot be complete without food.”

The DOT-6 is strengthening slow food movement as part of its Food and Tourism for Rural Development project in Western Visayas.

In Western Visayas, slow food movement was first embraced in Negros Occidental.

Capiz followed as the Capiz Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office has conducted research and documentation of all traditional food in the province known as the “Seafood Capital.”

“When the DOT-6 introduced the slow food movement, we integrated our existing program for food tourism,” said Capiz Tourism and Cultural Officer Al Tesoro.

Rodriguez said the slow food movement is also gaining ground in the provinces of Antique and Guimaras.

Aklan, particularly in world-famous Boracay Island, has also opened its doors to slow food.

“We are starting it in Iloilo this year,” added Rodriguez.

The slow food movement is not only focused on food but also biodiversity as it also highlights the fresh agricultural and fishery produce of the region.

The DOT-6 is planning a major event this month to further boost slow food in the region.