BACOLOD CITY – The inaugural Terra Madre Asia and Pacific (TMAP) 2025, hosted by the Philippines in this highly urbanized city, generated P46.5 million in total sales, attracting 75,000 visitors and 2,500 delegates from 25 countries.

TMAP 2025 organizers announced on Thursday, Nov. 27, that the first-ever edition of the region’s largest sustainable gastronomy event held at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon here from Nov. 19 to 23 was an “overwhelming success.”

TMAP 2025 Executive Director Reena Gamboa said the five-day earnings were driven by major events such as the Street Food Exhibition, Restaurant and Bar Takeovers, Slow Food Travel, Taste Workshops, and donations from coffee and Slow Drinks initiatives.

The Street Food Exhibition on North Capitol Road featuring 107 exhibitors and drawing 50,000 visitors was the top revenue generator, while events inside the Capitol Lagoon added another 25,000 in foot traffic.

Gamboa noted that the amount only covers event-related income and does not include revenues from hotel bookings, restaurant sales, tourist arrivals, and other tourism-related indicators, which are computed separately.

TMAP 2025 Co-Chairman and Slow Food International Councilor for Southeast Asia Ramon “ChinChin” Uy Jr. said that the concurrent 18th Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival organized by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) of Negros Occidental on South Capitol Road also benefited as it posted P1.4 million in purchases from TMAP participants.

Uy explained that chefs, mixologists, Slow Food communities, and Cooks Alliance members sourced their ingredients from the participating organic farmers and fisherfolk. These were used across various activities including Taste Workshops, cooking demonstrations, the Community Cook-Off, the Street Food Exhibition, and Slow Drinks.

“With Terra Madre, we have put Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, and the Philippines on the global gastronomy map,” Uy said.

The partnership between the two events allowed farmers and fisherfolk to sell out their produce. Remaining goods worth P130,000 were bought by a Slow Food community member on the festival’s last day.

Gamboa added that participating farmers were given free access to Public Talks and Conferences to deepen their understanding of good, clean, and fair food. Part of the event meals was also donated to Indigenous Peoples brought in by the OPA to ensure their nourishment during the festivities.

“We are proud to have built meaningful connections with farmers, fisherfolk, food producers, and cooks across the Asia-Pacific region to promote good, clean, and fair food for all,” Gamboa said.