For the first time since its designation, Iloilo City joined other fellow Cities of Gastronomy (COGs) all over the world in the UNESCO Creative COGs Annual Conference 2024 hosted by Thailand from May 9 to 13.
Lea Lara, Iloilo City Focal Person for UCCN Designation and Leny Ledesma, Mayor Jerry P. Treñas’ Executive Assistant for Special Projects, represented Iloilo City in the meeting held specifically in Phuket town.
The conference was a hub of knowledge sharing and networking opportunities for UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy Network encouraging the exchange of ideas, sparking creativity and innovation.
Likewise, the conference provided vital catalysts that will enrich awareness in the gastronomic heritage of Phuket and all COGs from around the world.
“Iloilo City was granted the opportunity to exhibit itself to an international audience alongside other participating cities. This represented a notable occasion of honor for Iloilo and nations spanning Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas familiarized themselves with us and gained insights into Iloilo City and its culinary heritage,” said Treñas.
Aside from Thailand, Iloilo City and other COGs, are also invited to Macao for the celebration of its 25th Founding Anniversary from June 14 to 22., 2024.
Among the events include a conference and a Gastronomy Showcase where chefs from all Gastronomy Cities will have a cooking demonstration.
Renowned Ilonggo Chef, Ariel Castañeda Jr. of Richmonde Hotel-Iloilo, along with his Sous Chef, will be representing Iloilo on the June 20 and 22 showcase.
Moreover, Mayor Treñas will personally attend the UCCN Annual General Membership Conference in Braga, Portugal from July 1 to 5, 2024.
Known as the “City of Love”, the southern city is the first ever UNESCO designated Creative COG in the Philippines in 2023.
The city officially joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), which now counts 350 cities in more than 100 countries, representing seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts and Music. (GTayona/Iloilo City PIO)
