TOURISM Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco on Saturday welcomed Angeles City's recent recognition as Asia's Best Emerging Culinary City Destination at the World Culinary Awards Gala Ceremony 2024.

The award, presented on October 3, establishes Angeles City in Pampanga as a rising star in worldwide food tourism.

"This prestigious recognition of Angeles City as Asia's Best Emerging Culinary City Destination underscores the exceptional talent, creativity, and dedication of its local chefs and food artisans," Frasco said on Saturday.

"The city's rich culinary heritage, led by its iconic dishes like sisig, continues to captivate food enthusiasts not only in the Philippines but across the world, showcasing the power of Filipino cuisine on the global stage," she added.

The award was accepted on Frasco's behalf by the Department of Tourism Central Luzon regional director Richard Daenos in Dubai, UAE.

Frasco congratulated Angeles City's local government unit, as well as local stakeholders and the food community, for their unwavering efforts to preserve and promote the city's culinary tradition.

"This award is a testament to the collective hard work and passion of the people of Angeles City and the province of Pampanga in safeguarding and celebrating their unique culinary heritage," Frasco said.

Known for its signature sisig, tokwa't baboy, street food and bibingka, among other beloved dishes, the city's culinary scene is diversified, providing both local and foreign cuisine, making it a must-see trip for food enthusiasts.

Angeles City competed against other well-known Asian culinary destinations such as Hanoi, Vietnam; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Taipei, Taiwan; and Kyoto, Japan.

The World Culinary Awards, a sister event to the World Travel Awards, honors and rewards excellence in the culinary industry after a year-long search for the world's top culinary brands.