Kalinga’s Rowena Gonnay wins ByungSoo Kim Award in Italy

TURIN, Italy — Kalinga’s indigenous food advocate Rowena Gonnay of the Pasil Slow Food Community received the prestigious ByungSoo Kim Award during the Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2026 in Turin, Italy, according to the Department of Tourism-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) on September 28.

The recognition from Slow Food International honors Gonnay’s work in preserving traditional Kalinga gastronomy, protecting heirloom rice varieties and promoting indigenous foodways and sustainable food practices.

Gonnay was among the representatives of Philippine indigenous communities who took part in the international food gathering in Turin. The official Terra Madre program identified her as a member of the Indigenous Kalinga community and guardian of the Slow Food Unoy Rice Presidium varieties. She also participated in a September 25 session highlighting the cultural and agricultural importance of indigenous Philippine rice.

The Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2026 was held in Turin from September 24 to 27. Slow Food International said its opening ceremony on September 24 brought together 1,500 delegates from 125 countries, with participants gathering to celebrate biodiversity and exchange experiences on food, culture and community.

The gathering also focused on how food and biodiversity can help build connections across communities and cultures. The 2026 edition carried the theme “Biodiversity – Be Diversity,” with discussions covering food sovereignty, Indigenous knowledge, sustainable agriculture and the future of food systems.

International media outlet ANSA likewise reported that Terra Madre Salone del Gusto brought together 1,500 delegates in Turin, with the event running from September 24 to 27.

Edduba joins Kalinga delegation

Kalinga Governor James S. Edduba also joined the provincial delegation to Italy for the Terra Madre event.

According to Guru Press Cordillera, Edduba announced Kalinga’s participation during the provincial flag-raising ceremony on September 21. He said Kalinga was invited by Slow Food Italy, particularly because Pasil was recognized as the country’s first Indigenous Slow Food Community.

Edduba said the participation provided an opportunity to showcase Kalinga’s indigenous food systems, agriculture, culture and tourism to an international audience. He also discussed the possibility of bringing a future Terra Madre event to the Philippines, with Pasil being considered as a potential venue.

The governor’s participation placed Kalinga’s local food traditions alongside representatives from communities across the world who gathered in Turin to promote biodiversity, food sovereignty and the preservation of traditional knowledge.

The award to Gonnay, meanwhile, adds international recognition to Pasil’s continuing efforts to preserve its Unoy heirloom rice varieties and indigenous food heritage, bringing Kalinga’s traditional food practices to a global audience.