Photo by: Clark Development Corporation
CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — Competitive culinary platforms can help raise industry standards, showcase local talent and bring Kapampangan cuisine to a wider national and international audience, Clark Development Corp. (CDC) President and CEO Agnes VST Devanadera said.
Speaking at the opening of the One Pampanga Culinary Cup at SM City Clark on Sept. 16, Devanadera said the competition gives chefs, culinary students and local talents an avenue to demonstrate their skills and gain recognition beyond the province.
“When I heard that this is going to be a Culinary Cup, then we are actually establishing a higher level of culinary,” Devanadera said.
She said the event provides a more competitive platform for Kapampangan cuisine beyond traditional festivals and exhibitions.
“We are elevating Kapampangan culinary. It’s not just for show, it’s not just for exhibit. It is really for the national stage and world stage,” she said.
Photo by: Clark Development Corporation
Devanadera said Pampanga’s food culture is an important part of its tourism identity while the culinary sector also provides opportunities for careers, livelihoods and professional development.
“Culinary is not just something that you do for a habit or for a hobby. You do it for passion, and you do it also for the experience, you do it as a career, you do it as a culture, you do it as heritage,” she said.
The One Pampanga Culinary Cup brought together chefs, culinary students, tourism advocates, local government officials and industry stakeholders in a showcase of technical skills, creativity and Kapampangan culinary traditions.
Devanadera stressed the need for sustained cooperation among government agencies, local governments, schools, industry groups and private-sector partners to develop culinary talent and strengthen Pampanga’s position as a food destination.
Among those who attended were Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh, Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, Clark International Airport Corp. President and CEO Joseph Alcazar, and Department of Tourism Region III Regional Director Richard Daenos, along with representatives from CDC, SM Prime Holdings Inc., local government units, schools, industry partners, sponsors and the media.