“Bugana,” is a hiligaynon word that means abundant or plentiful. Ilonggos have it innately to be grateful, a culturally known practice that they do in times of overflowing fulfillment and prosperity.
This is what emanated as the Iloilo City Government, headed by Mayor Jerry Treñas hosted a thanksgiving event called the ‘Salamat sa Bugana’, to celebrate Iloilo City’s distinction as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy on Nov. 10 at the Iloilo City Hall.
This was attended by members of the local council, city officials, department heads, stakeholders, and other partners.
Tasty delicacies were served, such as pancit molo, batchoy, fresh lumpia, bitso-bitso, empanada, fishball, tablea, and tsokolate batirol.
They were delicately served and prepared by the following: Madge Cafe; Balay Tablea; Rgies; Pandesal ni Paa; Homemade Ham by Montelibano; Alicia’s Batchoy; Buho Bakery; and Kap Ising’s Pancit Molo.
Iloilo City, being the first in the Philippines, is among the fifty-five new cities to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), along with 350 other cities in the world.
Iloilo City, being the first in the Philippines, is among the fifty-five new cities to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), along with 350 other cities representing seven creative fields: crafts and folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts, and music.
Treñas, shared this achievement, thanking active partners and those who have joined their support for this recognition.
“To my fellow Ilonggos, I would like to express my gratitude to all of you for helping the city become what it is today. The city government can only do so much, but because of your willingness and support, we have become co-creators and co-producers of impactful programs and endeavors. I constantly manifest my aspirations for the city so we can all work together to achieve these dreams,” the mayor said.
“Let us continue to work together to ensure we pass on this recognition to the next generation of Ilonggos.”
“We are now Unesco Gastronomic Creative City Ambassadors. Let us continue to work together to ensure we pass on this recognition to the next generation of Ilonggos,” he added.
The event also highlighted Iloilo’s best-tasting flavors, thanks to the community of traditional restaurants and culinary practices that have been part of the city’s rich culture.
