Showcasing authentic Filipino cuisine and popular street food, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has launched the “Philippine Eatsperience” project to boost the country’s food tourism program.

The project’s concept is inspired by the famous Taipei’s tourist-drawing night markets, giving tourists a variety of affordable but good food offerings plus a nice, wide space for a rest-and-recreation stroll.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco led the launch of the project, starting in two popular landmarks in the city of Manila —the Rizal Park and Intramuros.

The newly launched “PH Eatsperience” Lifestyle and Food Hubs are now open to the public from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday to Sunday at Luneta’s Noli Me Tangere Garden, and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the historic Baluarte Plano de Isabel in the walled city of Intramuros.

Joining Secretary Frasco during the launch were Malaysian Ambassador Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Thailand Ambassador Tull Traisorat, National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) Executive Director Cecille Lorenzana-Romero, Intramuros Administrator Joan Padilla, and National Commission for Culture and Arts Chairman Victorina Manalo, among others.

The tourism chief emphasized, “Our goal is to give as much exposure to Filipino food as possible and this is but the beginning of many initiatives that will highlight the best of Filipino cuisine.”

She said that the project is part of DOT’s flagship initiative, the Philippine Experience Program (PEP), which recognizes the pivotal role of food and gastronomy in shaping the country’s tourism landscape.

“When you travel, food is part and parcel of your journey. So, food tourism touches upon every single aspect of the tourism sector, whether you’re there for the day, whether you’re there for several nights, whether you’re in transport, or whether you’re just visiting a restaurant. There is no Philippine experience that is complete without Filipino food,” she highlighted.

For the initial launch in Luneta and Intramuros, more than 30 food and beverage businesses were tapped to participate. Culinary training and seminars on food safety were also provided to them through the Intramuros Administration and the NPDC.

The DOT announced its invitation to other local government units to also partner with the department as it prepares for the nationwide rollout of the Philippine Eatsperience project.

📷: Department of Tourism FB