Every region in the Philippines has its own distinct culture and unique offerings worthy of recognition, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Thursday.

Castro said as she explained why President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vetoed a bill declaring Pampanga as the culinary center of the Philippines.

During Thursday’s press briefing in Malacañang, Castro said that the goal is to recognize and promote the diverse cultures and uniqueness of all regions in the country.

“Ang atin pong bawat rehiyon po ay may kaniya-kaniyang kultura, may kaniya-kaniyang kagalingan… may uniqueness na tinatawag,” Castro said.

“Kaya po ito venito [veto]. Hindi naman para po hindi paniwalaan na masarap o maganda ang kultura ng Pampanga pero para po kilalanin ang buong rehiyon, ang bawat rehiyon sa kanilang kagalingan,” she said.

Castro also said that the President’s decision removed the connotation that the region or province is the only possible best food destination for tourists.

“Kung lalabas po na may pipiliin po na isa lamang na rehiyon na parang siya po iyong pinakamasarap, or pinakamagaling, pinakamaganda, baka po maisip ng ibang tao especially iyong mga dayuhan na nais pumunta sa Pilipinas, isiping iisa lang na rehiyon ang maaari nilang puntahan at sasabihing pinakamaganda at pinakamasarap na pagkain na local foods,” Castro said. | PND