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1st Terra Madre Asia Pacific launches in Bacolod City, Philippines, in 2025
Terra Madre Asia Pacific is set for its inaugural regional celebration in the city of Bacolod, Philippines, from November 19-23, 2025. For the first time, this internationally renowned gathering, typically held in Turin, Italy, will take place against the colorful backdrop of Southeast Asia. The historic event promises a dynamic convergence of dedicated farmers, skilled fishers, passionate chefs, and fervent food advocates from across Asia and the Pacific. United under the evocative theme, “From Soil to Sea: A Slow Food Journey Through Tastes and Traditions,” attendees will embark on a unique exploration of culinary heritage, local flavors, and time-honored food practices that reflect the region’s rich diversity and traditions.
Terra Madre Asia Pacific launches in Bacolod City
Building on the successes of the 2023 and 2024 Terra Madre Visayas gatherings, this event highlights Bacolod City’s recognition as the Center for Sustainable Gastronomy and Negros Occidental’s status as the Organic Capital of the Philippines.
This five-day celebration will showcase the region’s rich food biodiversity and cultural traditions. The gathering aims to strengthen connections between local food communities while promoting sustainable practices across the continent’s diverse culinary landscape.
Significance of Hosting in the Asia Pacific Region
Terra Madre Asia Pacific marks the first time the globally acclaimed Terra Madre food event—a major initiative by the Slow Food International organization—will be held outside its original location in Turin, Italy. Slow Food International selected the Asia Pacific region for this milestone due to its extraordinary range of food biodiversity, unique ecosystems, and deep-rooted culinary and agricultural traditions.
This significant gathering brings together small-scale farmers, fishers, chefs, Indigenous leaders, academics, and food advocates from countries across Asia Pacific, fostering collaboration to promote sustainable, fair, and healthy food systems. It continues the legacy of the Terra Madre Visayas gatherings hosted in the Philippines in 2023 and 2024, which highlighted local food systems and Indigenous practices.
Secretary Frasco visiting the Slow Food Pasil Booth at Terra Madre Visayas Ground in Bacolod City
By choosing Bacolod City as the host, the event not only underscores the Philippines’ dynamic and expanding role in regional sustainable food movements, but also spotlights its efforts in biodiversity conservation, slow food practices, and indigenous knowledge. Terra Madre Asia Pacific strengthens the region’s influence in urgent global conversations on food security, agroecology, and the preservation of cultural food heritage.
Key participants include:
Small-scale farmers and fishers
Professional chefs and food artisans
Indigenous community leaders
Youth advocates and students
Food policy experts
Event Dates and Location Details
Terra Madre Asia Pacific will be held from November 19 to 23, 2025, at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon in Bacolod City, located in Negros Occidental, Philippines.
This five-day gathering will transform the scenic Capitol Lagoon grounds—a central urban park renowned for its manicured landscapes, ponds, and public spaces—into a vibrant hub for sustainable food systems and local culture. The expansive location will accommodate a wide range of activities, including interactive workshops, food tastings featuring indigenous and regional Filipino specialties, live cooking demonstrations, and cultural presentations highlighting the unique heritage of Negros Occidental and the broader Asia Pacific region.
Bacolod City, known as the “City of Smiles,” serves as the host. As the provincial capital, it boasts modern infrastructure, accessible transportation, and top-notch hospitality services. The city is also deeply connected to neighboring farming and fishing communities, providing participants and visitors with direct access to local producers and traditional practices that are central to Terra Madre’s mission.
On September 10, 2025, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco formally launched the Philippines’ hosting of Terra Madre Asia Pacific during a ceremony at North Forbes Park Pavilion in Makati City. The event brought together government officials, representatives from Slow Food, stakeholders in sustainable agriculture, and members of the press, marking a significant step in showcasing the country’s leadership in promoting food diversity and community resilience across the Asia Pacific region.
Chicken Inasal, Bacolod City’s cultural property, on the grill
Theme: From Soil to Sea
The event theme, “From Soil to Sea: A Slow Food Journey Through Tastes and Tradition,” reflects a holistic approach to building sustainable food systems. It underscores the vital linkages between land-based agriculture and marine ecosystems, illustrating how both environments are integral to food sourcing and security.
This soil-to-sea concept illuminates the entire food chain, from cultivating crops and raising livestock to responsible fishing and aquaculture. By highlighting both terrestrial and aquatic food sources, the theme recognizes their combined role in meeting the nutritional needs of communities and strengthening regional food resilience.
A special emphasis is placed on traditional and Indigenous food practices. The event features how time-tested knowledge and techniques foster sustainability in food production, promote biodiversity, and help preserve cultural heritage.
Crucially, this theme is rooted in the Philippines’ unique geography as an archipelago comprised of over 7,000 islands. It acknowledges the nation’s intertwined reliance on fertile agricultural land and abundant marine resources, both of which are crucial not just for daily sustenance but also for cultural identity and food sovereignty.
Origins and Mission of Terra Madre
Terra Madre began as a response to the increasingly urgent issues in global food systems, particularly the marginalization of small-scale farmers and traditional food producers by large-scale, industrial agriculture. The event was created to amplify the voices of those who are often overlooked, such as indigenous growers, artisanal producers, and rural food communities.
Inspired by Terra Madre Salone del Gusto in Turin, Italy, Slow Food’s renowned global biennial summit, this regional edition is intended to:
Celebrate the Philippines by showcasing its rich gastronomy, diverse culinary biodiversity, and unique cultural heritage.
Promote collaboration across borders by connecting food producers, chefs, young people, and Indigenous communities.
Promote public awareness of ethical foodways, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture.
Reaffirm the Department of Tourism’s commitment to establishing the Philippines as a premier global gastronomy destination.
The Role of Slow Food International
Slow Food International, a global grassroots organization established by Carlo Petrini in 1989 in Bra, Italy, aims to transform the current food system by promoting local food traditions, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture. The organization arose as a response to the spread of fast food and the decline of regional culinary practices.
Today, Slow Food operates in over 160 countries through a vast network of local chapters, known as convivia. These convivia organize food festivals, tastings, workshops, and educational programs, advocate for policy change, and work to safeguard heirloom crops, heritage breeds, and traditional food production processes.
Slow Food Movement
Slow Food’s Presidia projects identify, promote, and support high-quality, small-scale, and endangered foods, focusing on maintaining traditional ecological knowledge and preserving rural landscapes. The Ark of Taste, another major initiative, is a global catalogue highlighting hundreds of foods threatened by industrial agriculture, environmental change, or cultural neglect.
Terra Madre, launched by Slow Food in 2004, is a biennial event and global network that connects thousands of small-scale farmers, fishers, artisans, chefs, researchers, and activists. This gathering provides a space for these communities to exchange experiences, share sustainable food practices, participate in workshops, and collaborate on actionable plans to create resilient, fair, and ecologically sound food systems worldwide.
Chris Fadriga sharing his knowledge about heirloom cacao
Key Stakeholders and Organizers
Slow Food International’s Involvement
Slow Food International serves as the primary organizer for Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025. The organization founded the original Terra Madre movement and has hosted biennial events in Turin, Italy for years.
In 2024, Slow Food International officially designated Bacolod City as the Slow Food Hub for Asia and the Pacific. This recognition came after the Philippines participated in Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2024 in Turin.
The international organization brings its expertise in sustainable food systems to the Philippine event. Slow Food International connects local organizers with global networks of farmers, chefs, and food advocates.
The organization focuses on promoting food biodiversity and traditional food practices. Their involvement ensures the Asian event follows established Terra Madre principles and standards.
Philippine Government Partners
The Department of Tourism (DOT) plays a major role in supporting Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025. DOT helps promote the event as part of the country’s culinary tourism initiatives.
Several national government agencies work together to make the event successful. These partnerships provide official backing and resources for the international gathering.
The government partners help coordinate logistics across different departments. They also ensure proper permits and regulatory support for the five-day event.
National agencies contribute to marketing efforts that highlight Philippine food culture. Their involvement helps position the country as a regional leader in sustainable gastronomy.
Slow Food by Taylor Kiser via Unsplash
Local Government of Bacolod City and Negros Occidental
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez signed the memorandum of agreement with Slow Food International for hosting the event. His administration takes direct responsibility for local event management.
The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental serves as a key partner alongside Bacolod City. Both local governments provide venue support and coordinate regional participation.
Local officials build on the success of previous Terra Madre Visayas events held in 2023 and 2024. These smaller gatherings helped establish Bacolod as a suitable host city.
The city government positions Bacolod as a global food hub through this partnership. Local authorities manage practical aspects like venue preparation, security, and community engagement during the November 19-23 event dates.
Main Events and Program Highlights
Knowledge Exchanges and Workshops
The event facilitates direct connections between small-scale farmers, fishers, and food producers from across Asia and the Pacific. Participants share traditional farming methods, seed preservation techniques, and ancestral knowledge passed down through generations.
Expert-led sessions cover topics like climate-resilient agriculture and indigenous food systems. Farmers demonstrate traditional cultivation methods while learning new sustainable practices from their peers.
Interactive workshops allow attendees to participate in hands-on learning experiences. These sessions focus on practical skills that participants can implement in their own communities.
The knowledge exchange format encourages two-way learning between different cultures and regions. This approach helps preserve traditional food practices while adapting to modern challenges.
Food Exhibitions and Culinary Showcases
Extensive exhibitions bring regional food biodiversity into focus, displaying rare and heritage varieties of crops, grains, and traditional ingredients. Both local and international chefs provide cooking demonstrations, using sustainably sourced ingredients from small-scale producers.
Culinary showcases spotlight traditional cooking techniques and recipes from Asian and Pacific cultures, offering visitors the chance to taste authentic dishes made using time-honored methods.
Featured products in the food exhibitions come from Slow Food’s Ark of Taste, which aims to protect endangered foods and preserve traditional recipes. These displays educate visitors about food diversity and the value of maintaining culinary heritage.
At interactive cooking stations, participants learn from experienced chefs and traditional cooks, deepening their understanding of food origins and preparation techniques.
Community Dialogues and Forums
Community leaders, government officials, and food advocates gather in policy discussions to tackle regional food security challenges, emphasizing practical solutions for local implementation.
Indigenous leaders highlight the importance of land stewardship and traditional food systems, demonstrating how cultural preservation supports sustainability.
Youth representatives speak about the future of food and their role in driving change, motivating young people to join the sustainable food movement.
Inclusive open forums allow everyone to share experiences and ideas, ensuring diversity in shaping food policy and community development.
Workshops on Sustainable Food Systems
The program begins with practical training sessions focused on implementing sustainable farming practices, such as organic farming, water conservation, and soil health management.
Workshops then explore both traditional and modern food processing and preservation techniques, aimed at reducing waste and extending shelf life.
Further sessions cover seed saving and plant breeding, providing participants with the skills needed to maintain crop diversity—vital for food security and climate change adaptation.
Finally, business development workshops teach small-scale producers how to market their products, including fair trade methods, forming cooperatives, and direct-to-consumer strategies.
Impact on Gastronomy Tourism and Local Communities
The Philippines as a Gastronomy Destination
Through Terra Madre’s platform, the Philippines earns recognition as a top culinary destination. Bacolod City becomes the entry point for international food travelers looking for authentic Asia-Pacific cuisine.
The event brings Filipino food biodiversity to the forefront, showcasing unique local ingredients such as native rice, heirloom vegetables, and traditional fermentation techniques.
Attendance from international chefs and food writers helps introduce Filipino cuisine to global audiences, extending beyond just well-known dishes.
Negros Occidental’s regional specialties take center stage, with delicacies like chicken inasal, napoleones, and sugarcane products gaining international attention.
The slow food movement’s focus on quality aligns with travelers seeking meaningful culinary experiences rather than typical mass tourism.
Tourism officials predict visitor growth as a result, noting that food tourism usually results in higher per-visitor spending than general tourism.
Opportunities for Farmers, Chefs, and Artisans
Terra Madre enables local farmers to connect directly with international buyers and distributors—an opportunity typically unavailable in conventional agricultural systems. The event allows small-scale producers to showcase heritage seeds and traditional farming methods, while indigenous communities share sustainable practices that preserve biodiversity.
Restaurant chefs benefit from workshops and demonstrations alongside international colleagues, enhancing local cooking techniques and presentation standards through knowledge exchange. Food artisans also gain exposure for their traditional products, such as native cheeses, cured meats, and fermented foods, potentially leading to export opportunities thanks to international recognition.
Youth attendees engage with experienced food professionals via mentorship programs, inspiring future leaders in sustainable food systems. Event networking fosters collaborative projects; for example, farmers partnering with restaurants or food processors to access new markets.
The gathering prioritizes fair trade, teaching producers effective pricing strategies for sustainable livelihoods.
Sustaining Community Livelihoods
Terra Madre advances community-based food systems to retain profits locally, boosting rural economies and lessening the need for urban migration.
Traditional knowledge holders earn recognition for preserving food heritage, as elders pass on valuable techniques that might otherwise be lost.
The event furthers indigenous food sovereignty by empowering communities to control their traditional foods and farming methods.
Increased visibility and market access benefit local cooperatives, while group purchasing supports smaller producers in competing with larger businesses.
Women’s leadership in food production is highlighted, acknowledging their significant role in family nutrition and seed preservation.
Event training sessions equip producers with practical business skills, including marketing, food safety protocols, and financial management.
The slow food movement encourages seasonal, locally sourced meals, with restaurants pledging ongoing support for local farmers beyond the event itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the 1st Terra Madre Asia Pacific event in Bacolod City?
The event serves as the first regional gathering of the Slow Food movement in Asia and the Pacific. It brings together small-scale farmers, fishers, chefs, Indigenous leaders, youth, and advocates from across the continent.
Terra Madre Asia Pacific aims to showcase the region’s vibrant food biodiversity and traditional practices. The gathering provides a platform for discussions on sustainable food systems and the region’s rich culinary heritage.
The event officially designates Bacolod City as the Slow Food International Hub for Asia and the Pacific. This recognition follows the city’s success in hosting previous Terra Madre Visayas events in 2023 and 2024.
How will the Terra Madre Asia Pacific event contribute to the sustainable agriculture movement?
The gathering focuses on promoting small-scale farming practices and sustainable food production methods. Participants share knowledge about preserving traditional agricultural techniques and protecting local food varieties.
The event connects food producers directly with policymakers and advocates. This creates opportunities for developing policies that support sustainable agriculture across the Asia Pacific region.
Terra Madre Asia Pacific emphasizes the importance of biodiversity in food systems. The event showcases how traditional farming methods can help maintain ecological balance while feeding communities.
What are the main themes and topics to be addressed during the Terra Madre Asia Pacific conference?
Food biodiversity serves as a central theme throughout the five-day event. Participants explore ways to preserve heritage seeds, traditional crops, and indigenous food varieties.
Sustainable food systems receive significant focus during conference sessions. Discussions cover topics like climate-resilient farming, soil health, and water conservation practices.
The event addresses the role of indigenous knowledge in modern agriculture. Sessions highlight how traditional practices can inform contemporary sustainable farming approaches.
Cultural preservation through food traditions forms another key theme. Participants examine how culinary heritage connects communities and maintains cultural identity.
Can international delegates participate in the Terra Madre Asia Pacific, and what are the requirements for attendance?
Terra Madre Asia Pacific welcomes participants from across the Asia Pacific region. The event targets small-scale farmers, fishers, chefs, indigenous leaders, youth, and food advocates.
International delegates can attend the gathering scheduled for November 19-23, 2025. The event takes place at the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Lagoon in Bacolod City.
Attendance focuses on individuals and organizations involved in sustainable food systems. Priority goes to those working in areas like traditional farming, food preservation, and community food security.
What cultural and educational activities are planned as part of the Terra Madre Asia Pacific program?
This five-day event offers educational sessions on traditional food practices and sustainable agriculture, with participants discovering heritage crops, time-honored cooking methods, and ways to preserve food.
A variety of cultural activities illustrate the culinary diversity of the Asia Pacific region, underlining how food forges community bonds and helps maintain cultural identity across nations.
Interactive workshops give attendees practical experience in traditional farming and food preparation, complementing theoretical discussions.
In addition, the event features exhibitions of local food products and traditional crafts, emphasizing the relationship between sustainable agriculture and the protection of cultural heritage.
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1st Terra Madre Asia Pacific launches in Bacolod City, Philippines, in 2025
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog
