Pasay City:President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stated that the increasing international recognition of Filipino cuisine through the Michelin Guide will aid in promoting the country's culinary traditions, attracting tourists, and creating livelihood opportunities. His remarks were made at the Michelin Guide Ceremony for Manila and its environs, held at the Manila Marriott Hotel.

According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos emphasized the potential of culinary tourism to showcase Filipino culture and support local communities and producers. He highlighted that the previous year's launch of the Guide aimed to enhance gastronomy and tourism by expressing the nation's identity through food.

Marcos pointed to traditional dishes like adobo, kinilaw, and sisig as symbols of the country's identity and resourcefulness. He also expressed gratitude to the Michelin Guide for broadening the global audience for the country's culinary landscape and praised Filipino chefs and restaurant personnel for maintaining and innovating local culinary traditions.

Chef Chele Gonzalez's Gallery by Chele was mentioned as an example of how local ingredients and communities are highlighted, showcasing indigenous rice varieties from the Cordilleras. President Marcos noted that such recognition offers significant opportunities for Philippine tourism and aims to extend the country's international culinary presence beyond Manila and Cebu.

He further asserted that increased interest in Filipino cuisine could lead to more opportunities for farmers, fisherfolk, food producers, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The Michelin Guide, renowned for its anonymous inspections and awards, recognized 108 establishments in its inaugural Philippine edition, including 25 Bib Gourmand awardees and nine Michelin-starred restaurants. The ceremony also marked the centennial of the MICHELIN Star, first introduced in 1926.