DBPH Admin2 
THE House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on second reading House Bill 10634, seeking to declare Pampanga as the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines.”
The measure is authored by Pampanga Reps. Anna York Bondoc, Carmelo Lazatin II, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. and former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, among others.
Macapagal-Arroyo stated that recognizing the rich culinary heritage of Pampanga will open doors for increased tourism, leading to more job opportunities and economic growth in their local communities.
“Pampanga as a culinary capital, will boost the country’s culinary tourism industry, which in turn will provide livelihood to many Kapampangans,” she said.
Committee on tourism chairperson and Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona supported the bill highlighting Pampanga’s rich culinary heritage.
“While Pampanga’s culinary history stretches back as far as a century, its embodiment of the rich culinary culture worthy of global recognition and even emulation remains undisputed until today,” he said.
The House also approved on second reading, HB 8657 or the proposed “Protected Geographical Indications Act.” The measure, authored by Batangas Rep. Mario Vittorio Mariño, aims to shield consumers from misleading and substandard products falsely claiming to be genuinely “Filipino-made.”
Also approved on second reading was HB 10722, or the proposed “Loss and Damage Fund Board Act.”
Deputy Speaker Vincent Franco Frasco presided over Tuesday’s plenary session.
