#Philippines #Terra Madre #Slow Food #Bacolod City

Celebrating Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025

From November 19 to 23, 2025, Bacolod City in the Philippines played host to the inaugural Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025 event, a vital gathering that resonated with the ideals of the Slow Food movement. With over 2,000 delegates representing various cultures and communities from across Asia and the Pacific, the event successfully highlighted the significance of local food systems and the urgent need for sustainable practices in gastronomy.

A Historic Milestone

The Terra Madre Asia & Pacific event underscored the power of grassroots food advocacy, showcasing how community-led initiatives can drive political change and influence food policies. Participants celebrated their rich food heritage, which has deep ties to cultural identity and biodiversity, while recognizing the critical need for sustainable and regenerative food systems. In her remarks, Reena Gamboa, Executive Director of Terra Madre Asia & Pacific, emphasized the overwhelming success of the gathering, noting how it served as a platform for farmers, cooks, and food producers to unite and advocate for better food practices.

Building Alliances for Change

During the course of the event, testimonies were shared, and various new alliances were formed. Farmers and producers exchanged knowledge, discussing how agroecological practices can enhance resilience amid pressing climate challenges. Edward Mukiibi, President of Slow Food International, pointed out that meaningful solutions to the climate crisis must emerge from local communities rather than top-down approaches. "The answers we seek already exist within our communities," he stated, aiming for a collective shift towards sustainable food systems that prioritize local resources and indigenous knowledge.

Programme Highlights

The event featured an array of educational workshops that captured the spirit of the region's agricultural practices. These sessions allowed participants—particularly children and families—to engage in hands-on activities such as cooking with local ingredients, exploring food preparation techniques, and learning about sustainable agriculture practices. Topics ranged from soy production to traditional cooking methods involving rice and taro, connecting attendees with their cultural heritage.

Public discussions captured strong community engagement, delving into various subjects like health and food relations, seed preservation, and sustainable development. Collaborative spaces like the Slow Food Coffee Coalition and Terra Madre Kitchen facilitated networking and talent exchange among producers and chefs.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Slow Food in Asia

As the event concluded, Paolo Di Croce, Director General of Slow Food, expressed optimism about the future of this movement in the region, announcing that Bacolod is set to become the first international Slow Food Hub in Asia and the Pacific. This initiative aims to foster a unique regional identity within the global Slow Food framework while promoting choices that stand against industrialized food systems.

In reflecting on the significance of the gathering, participants recognized that the foundation for future success lies in the preservation of biodiversity and the promotion of sustainable practices. This shift is not merely about accepting changes but actively championing them to cultivate an equitable food ecosystem.

Conclusion

The inaugural Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025 not only celebrated the intersection of food culture and community resilience but also set a clear agenda for future engagement in the Slow Food movement. With excitement already surrounding the plans for the next edition in 2027, the call for sustainable food systems resonates more than ever, reinforcing the vital role communities play in addressing global challenges. As the movement continues to grow, so too does the commitment to push back against unsustainable agricultural practices while advocating for the beauty of culinary heritage that embodies the spirit of communities across Asia and the Pacific.