Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has vetoed a bill that sought to declare Pampanga as the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines.” In a letter to the House of Representatives dated March 12, Marcos explained that while Pampanga’s culinary contributions are widely recognized, officially designating it as the country’s culinary capital could undermine the diversity of Philippine cuisine.

According to Philippines News Agency, the President noted that the bill lacked a historical basis and key performance indicators to justify such a declaration, warning that it could offend other provinces with similarly rich culinary traditions. Marcos emphasized that Filipino cuisine reflects the country’s cultural and geographic diversity, shaped by the distinct culinary traditions of its regions.

At a Palace briefing on Thursday, Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed that Marcos vetoed Senate Bill No. 2797 and House Bill No. 10634, titled “An act declaring the province of Pampanga as the culinary capital of the Philippines.” Castro stated that while the bill had good intentions, it might create discrimination.

The bill was authored by Pampanga lawmakers, including former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, with the aim of recognizing Pampanga’s culinary heritage. Arroyo had earlier mentioned that the declaration would benefit local communities by attracting more visitors and creating economic opportunities.

Despite the veto, Ivan Henares, Secretary-General of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines and Commissioner of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, remarked that the decision does not diminish Pampanga’s culinary significance but rather acknowledges the country’s strength in its regional diversity. Henares emphasized the importance of sustainable programs and suggested focusing on key performance indicators instead of pursuing titles.