Fondazione Slow Food Italy signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Negros Island Community Promoting and Preserving Traditional Food, Inc., and Bacolod City LGU in the development and implementation of Slow Food projects and programs as it envisions Bacolod as the Slow Food International Hub for Asia Pacific.
The MOA was signed at the Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2024 held at Parco Dora, Turin, Italy, last Sept. 27, 2024.
Bacolod LGU was represented by Mayor Albee Benitez, Slow Food Italy was represented by Director General Paolo di Croce, and the Negros Island Community Promoting and Preserving Traditional Food, Inc. was represented by Doreen Alicia Gamboa Peña.
As stated in the MOA, the planned Slow Food programs include the promotion of food education, the building of networks, the hosting of events, and the establishment of a Slow Food international office in Bacolod City.
Bacolod City has also signified its interest in hosting the Terra Madre Philippines in 2025 together with the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental and Terra Madre Asia Pacific in 2027.
In a message of commitment delivered by Executive Assistant to the Governor, Charina Magallanes-Tan, on behalf of Governor Bong Lacson, the Governor stated, “The Slow Food Movement is not just a welcome campaign but rather a timely and necessary shift towards a sustainable and improved food system. It celebrates our proud Negrense food heritage while protecting our biodiversity and uplifting our local communities.”
He further emphasized that the Provincial Government’s active participation in the movement and support for the Memorandum of Agreement demonstrate the province’s firm belief in our collective strengths—that together, we can embark on this transformative journey in the history of Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.
The MOA signing was witnessed by delegations from the Province of Negros Occidental, namely, Executive Assistant and PIO Charina Magallanes – Tan, Provincial Environment Management Officer Atty. Julie Ann Bedrio, Mayors Javi Benitez of Victorias City, Rhummylan Nicor–Mangilimutan of La Castellana, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran of Bacolod City, Bacolod City Councilors, and representatives from Talisay City, among others.
Photo credit: Mayor Javi Benitez and Victorias City PIO
