ILOILO CITY (PIA) -- The Iloilo City Government is aiming to be recognized as a "gastronomic hotspot" in the global arena.

In a media release from Iloilo City Public Information Office,City mayor Jerry Treñas said that the city government here has submitted its bid for the Creative City of Gastronomy to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

“Iloilo City is a gastronomic hotspot waiting to be explored, experienced, and enjoyed,” he said.

Treñas said he is hopeful for strong global promotions once the city would be included in UNESCO's coveted citation, which is one of seven creative fields that also include Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Literature, Media Arts, and Music.

In his letter to the UNESCO Creative City Network (UCCN) Secretariat based in Paris, France, the city’s top local chief executive said that Iloilo City is passionate to offer its culinary assets to suit every discriminating palate.

“Our affection for cooking arouses the sense of pride of our people, culture, and heritage,” he said.

Various plans have been identified for advocacy awareness and appreciation, innovations, and initiatives for implementation to boost the gastronomy industry.

“The Ilonggo community is confident that by clinching the Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy, this will continue to guide us in achieving our goals of growth, progress, and sustainable development,” Treñas said.

Created in 2004, UCCN fosters international cooperation within and across cities that have invested in culture and creativity as an accelerator of sustainable development. (Iloilo City PIO/LTP/PIA-Iloilo/Photo courtesy of Iloilo City Government)