IN A QUIET town nestled in Iloilo’s 3rd District, a flavorful revolution is taking shape. The Slow Food Community in Bingawan is proving that sustainability can taste as good as it feels — and that preserving heritage is just as important as feeding the future.
Officially recognized by Slow Food International in October 2023, after its founding in late 2022, the Bingawan group has quickly become a model of grassroots innovation. Its members — a vibrant mix of farmers, cooks, and food artisans — are united by one belief: that food should be Good, Clean, and Fairfor all.
A Movement with Roots
After international recognition, Bingawan slow Food Community were part of the Philippine delegate at Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2024 in Turin, Italy — the world’s largest gathering of food communities and advocates. Inspired by the experience, the Bingawan delegates returned home with stronger resolve to advance agroecology, local heritage, and food sovereignty.
“Terra Madre showed us that our small stories matter in the global table,” says one member. “Our local dishes carry the wisdom of our ancestors — and that deserves to be celebrated.”
Heritage on Every Plate
At the heart of Bingawan’s Slow Food movement is a commitment to protect traditional recipes and indigenous ingredients — including the town’s pride, Darag na Manok(Native Chicken), now recognized under the Ark of Taste, a global catalogue of endangered heritage foods.
It’s a dish that speaks of simplicity and soul: native chicken wrapped in banana leaves, simmered with herbs like labog — an aromatic plant that adds both flavor and healing value. Alongside it are local delicacies such as gintaan nga dahon sang balinghoy, showcasing Bingawan’s deep relationship with the land.
Here, farmers are not just cultivators — they are storytellers, preserving the taste of home in every harvest.
Looking Ahead to Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025
The community is now gearing up for another milestone — Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025, happening from November 19–23, 2025, at the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City.
There, Bingawan’s Slow Food advocates will once again showcase their signature flavors — from the Nilabugan ngaManok to herb-infused dishes that highlight the richness of Iloilo’s soil and the creativity of its people. Visitors can expect lively conversations, cultural exchanges, and a taste of Bingawan’s distinct blend of tradition, innovation, and community spirit.
A Shared Table for the Future
The Slow Food Community in Bingawan is more than a local initiative — it’s a reminder that the future of food depends on how we honor the past. Their story reflects a growing movement across the Philippines: one that values biodiversity, fair livelihoods, and the joy of eating together.
As the community continues to grow, its mission remains simple yet powerful: to inspire a heritage of taste and sustainability — one meal, one farm, one story at a time.
Connect with the community:
📍 Facebook: Slow Food Community Bingawan
📧 Email: slowfood.bingawan@gmail.com
📞 Contact: +63 917 7995380 / +63 945 1728378
For global movement updates, visit Slow Food International.