The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a measure declaring Pampanga as the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines.”

House Bill 10634, authored by former President and incumbent Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, House of Representatives Senior Vice Speaker and Pampanga Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Pampanga Representatives Anna York Bondoc and Carmelo Lazatin II, was approved through voice vote.

House of Representatives Committee on Tourism Chairman and Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona, who sponsored the measure, said the measure underscored the importance of Pampanga's rich culinary heritage.

“Although Pampanga's culinary history dates back a century, the embodiment of a rich culinary culture worthy of global recognition and even emulation remains undisputed to this day,” Madrona said.