By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
“For Filipinos, food is never just about food.”
Reaffirming his support for Filipino cuisine, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graced the MICHELIN Guide Ceremony for Manila and Environs and Cebu 2027 on Thursday.
In his speech, the President hailed the significant milestones achieved by the Philippines since joining the MICHELIN Guide in 2025, with its inaugural edition recognizing 108 establishments, including 25 Bib Gourmand selections and nine MICHELIN-starred restaurants.
This, as he expressed fervor for how local culinary dishes are gaining noteworthy accolades and traction among international audiences—a showcase of the diverse food traditions across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
“Our country is known for our beautiful islands, our rich history, and a vibrant culture. Now, our cuisine can become another reason for travelers to visit, explore our regions, and to stay longer.”
At this juncture, President Marcos Jr. assured the government would continue improving infrastructure and air and sea connectivity to make tourist destinations more accessible, while supporting culinary education and skills development for aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals.
He went on to recognize the valiant efforts of Filipino chefs and restaurant teams, who epitomize the innate talent, creativity, and dedication of Filipinos, who treat food beyond a daily commodity and turn it into a shared experience for everyone’s palates.
Going beyond making wonders out of local ingredients and regional sensibilities, the reinvigorated interest in domestic dishes is also expected to create more opportunities for farmers, fisherfolk, food producers, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The Chief Executive concluded, “Let us continue to invest in our culinary talent, preserve our regional food traditions, and encourage the next generation of Filipinos to innovate while remaining rooted in who we are.”
During the ceremony, the country’s hospitality industry also gained international recognition, with nine Philippine hotels and resorts receiving MICHELIN Keys in 2026, including two properties awarded Two MICHELIN Keys.
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