Kalinga takes slow food to Italy: Pasil eyed for future TERRA MADRE event

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Kalinga is bringing its indigenous food heritage to the international stage as a provincial delegation joins the Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2026 in Turin, Italy, highlighting the global significance of the Pasil Indigenous Slow Food Community.

The delegation’s participation also opens discussions on the possibility of hosting a future Terra Madre event in the Philippines, with Pasil being considered as a potential venue, according to Governor James S. Edduba.

Edduba announced Kalinga’s participation during the regular flag-raising ceremony at the Kalinga Sports Center on September 21. He said the province was invited by Slow Food Italy, particularly because of Pasil’s recognition as the country’s first Indigenous Slow Food Community.

Slow Food officially recognized the Pasil community in 2019 following a decade of collaboration. The community promotes indigenous food diversity and culture, including traditional rice varieties grown in its high-altitude terraces.

For Edduba, the invitation is an opportunity for Kalinga to showcase its indigenous food systems, agriculture, culture and tourism to an international audience.

He also said discussions are being explored on whether the Philippines could host a future Terra Madre event, with Kalinga among the possible locations.

“If ever the Philippines will host the next one, they are looking at the Province of Kalinga—if we can and if we are capable,” Edduba said.

Joining the governor in the Italy delegation are Provincial Tourism Officer Lorraine Ngao-i, Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) head Flordeliza Moldero, and Provincial Agriculturist Nancy Aowat, reflecting the province’s focus on the links between food, agriculture, indigenous culture and tourism.

Terra Madre Salone del Gusto, organized by Slow Food, the Piedmont Region and the City of Turin, will be held from September 24 to 27. The 2026 edition will bring together food communities and participants from more than 120 countries, with biodiversity, sustainable food systems and food cultures among its major themes.

Kalinga’s participation also builds on the Philippines’ growing role in the Slow Food movement. Bacolod hosted the first Terra Madre Asia & Pacific in 2025, bringing together more than 2,000 delegates from 20 countries.

For Pasil, its presence in the global Slow Food network provides an international platform for its indigenous crops, traditional farming knowledge and food heritage—connecting Kalinga’s local traditions with a global movement promoting biodiversity and sustainable food systems.