The Department of Tourism (DOT-6) will launch today, Jan. 23, the first Batchoy Festival in SM City Iloilo, Mandurriao district.
The festival, which will run until Jan. 26, will feature “everything about batchoy as it aims to be the one-stop venue to relish this polular Ilonggo dish.”
DOT-6 Director Helen Catalbas said the festival “is a treat to the local and foreign tourists visiting Iloilo especially this Dinagyang Festival week.”
“This is one way in showcasing our rich culinary heritagecand to prove that, indeed, Iloilo is the home of not just batchoy but the best batchoy,” she added.
Activities lined up for the festival include the Batchoy Eating Contest, food expo, and awarding of the batcoy pioneers.
The food expo features well-known batchoy entrepreneurs and other versions of the dish from different towns in Iloilo province.
“Batchoy deserves a recognition for it has been there for a long time providing identity to Iloilo City. Let us value our culinary heritage to sustain it for a much longer time,” said Catalbas.IMT
Photo by Clark Villaruel Antiquiera
