Documentation of traditional delicacies in the province of Iloilo

Abstract

The province of Iloilo satisfies the senses, with many finding that their sense of taste is most satisfied. With its mouthwatering variety of creative dishes, Iloilo cuisine has made a lasting impression on Filipino culture and has a variety of local cuisines and delicacies made from local ingredients that ignites pride among the locals and contributes to the people's and the place's identity. Iloilo traditional delicacies are commonly made or rice, specifically glutinous rice as the main ingredient, and other local ingredients that can be easily found in the province such as cassava, root crops, coconut, and sugar. The very common process in preparing these delicacies is through steaming that allows the natural flavor and aroma of the ingredients to seep through and wrapped in banana leaves. Most of the materials used in preparing the traditional delicacies can be easily found in the household, mostly are replaced with modern equipment, however, there are still others who are using the traditional materials and process in preparing the delicacy. The makers of the Ilonggo traditional delicacies are mostly seniors who have learned the process from their parents and grandparents. Some are already the 2nd and 3rd generations of delicacy makers in their town. The delicacies documented in Iloilo province exhibited significance in terms of historical, aesthetic, social, socio-economic, and spiritual. These delicacies are not just simply prepared for livelihood, they have become part of Iloilo’s identity and Ilonggo tradition and are popular ritual offering when constructing their new home to adopt a food ritual offering that is intended for the dead and other spirits who are connected to the house. Community validation of the identified delicacies was done with the participation of local stakeholders in the province, which included representative from the Department of Tourism’s accredited tour guide, tourism officers, tourism staff, Local Economic, Development, & Investment Promotions officer, educator, and student.