BACOLOD CITY - The City of Smiles is set to host one of the most significant culinary events in Asia as Terra Madre & Pacific (TMAP) 2025 prepares to welcome delegates from around the world this November.
Global Gathering for Sustainable Food Systems
An impressive roster of 25 countries has confirmed participation in TMAP 2025, scheduled from November 19 to 23, 2025 at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon in Bacolod City. The international delegation includes representatives from Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, China Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Palau, Samoa, South Korea, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor Leste, USA, Vanuatu, and Vietnam.
Ramon "Chin Chin" Uy Jr., Slow Food councilor for Southeast Asia, revealed that the event expects to gather approximately 2,000 delegates for the five-day celebration of sustainable food practices. "This marks a historic moment as Terra Madre makes its regional debut in Asia and the Pacific after years as a biennial event in Turin, Italy," Uy emphasized during the press conference held last Friday at May's Garden in Barangay Pahanocoy.
Bacolod's Rise as Sustainable Gastronomy Hub
The event represents a significant milestone for Bacolod City and Negros Occidental, solidifying their positions as the "Center for Sustainable Gastronomy" and the "Organic Capital of the Philippines" respectively. Uy highlighted that TMAP 2025 transcends being merely a culinary gathering, serving as a platform that reinforces the region's commitment to sustainable food systems.
Under the theme "From Soil to Sea: A Slow Food Journey Through Tastes and Traditions," the event will unite farmers, fishers, indigenous leaders, chefs, academics, youth, and cultural advocates. Their collective mission: to celebrate food biodiversity and advance sustainable food systems rooted in tradition, fairness, and environmental stewardship.
Farmers Take Center Stage
Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez, Department of Tourism-Western Visayas and Negros Island Region director, announced that all regions across the Philippines will participate, with farmers positioned as the main stars of the event. This approach underscores the event's commitment to honoring those at the foundation of the food production chain.
Reena Gamboa, TMAP 2025 executive director, explained their strategy to showcase unique ingredients in slow food dishes, ensuring traditional food knowledge and resources are preserved rather than forgotten. The event builds upon the successful Terra Madre Visayas gatherings hosted in 2023 and 2024, demonstrating the region's growing influence within the global Slow Food movement.
The collaborative nature of TMAP 2025 was emphasized by Vice Mayor Claudio Puentevella, who noted the partnership between Congressman Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, the City Government of Bacolod led by Mayor Greg Gasataya, the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental under Governor Eugenio Lacson, and multiple national agencies including the Department of Tourism, Agriculture, and Trade and Industry.
The foundation for this event was established last year during Terra Madre Salone del Gusto in Turin, Italy, where Benitez, then Bacolod City mayor, signed the memorandum of agreement with Slow Food International. Benitez previously described Terra Madre as the largest event dedicated to food politics, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation.
In preparation for the international gathering, the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department has implemented road closures on North and South Capitol Roads from November 10 until November 24, 2025. According to Lawyer Reuben Sabig, BTTMD officer-in-charge, the closure affects South Capitol Road from Lacson Street to Gatuslao Street, with alternative routes established for public utility jeepneys.
