DOT gathers members of the diplomatic corps to promote Mindanao’s halal cuisine and culture

Experience Mindanao’s Halal Cuisine and Cultural Diversity

Manila, Philippines- In a bid to further showcase Mindanao as a destination that is ready to offer a multi-dimensional tourism experience, the Department of Tourism gathered members of the diplomatic corps and some members of the international community to experience the region’s halal cuisine and culture on Tuesday (Nov. 22) at Dusit Thani Manila, Makati.

Titled “Bismillah: An Evening of Faith, Love, and the Flavors of Mindanao”, the DOT-hosted event was a celebration of vibrant cultural unity and gastronomic richness of the region. The initiative is a continuation of Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco’s push to fully reopen Mindanao to tourism which she cited as a priority of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. at the beginning of his administration last year. According to Secretary Frasco, efforts of the Department of Tourism towards building confidence in the region and raising awareness on the stability of the security situation would also aid in urging certain countries to upgrade or lift existing travel restrictions.

To recall, in May of this year, Secretary Frasco led the signing of a DOT agreement with the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), to work together to promote the region as a peaceful and viable destination for domestic and international travelers.

“Beyond partaking of the delectable halal meals, this evening of faith, love, and the flavors of Mindanao is the start of something new that is opening your eyes, your palate to the possibilities that are endless in the promise that is Mindanao. As our President has said, Mindanao is the land of promise to be fulfilled,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said in her speech.

The highlight of the event was the unraveling of the intricate and diverse halal cuisine of Mindanao to an international audience. Esteemed ambassadors, dignitaries, and officials from different foreign embassies in the Philippines were present to experience the flavor-filled odyssey through the vibrant tastes of the Mindanao Islands’ cuisines with the ultimate intention to spread the invitation to their countrymen to come and visit Mindanao.

Inviting tourists to reconsider their perception of Mindanao, Secretary Frasco enthusiastically encouraged travelers, both local and international, to explore this vibrant island.

“In…