ASEAN Convention Center, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga
December 7, 2017

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte graced the inauguration of the 1st Kapampangan Food Festival held in Pampanga.

The President toured the venue area where he tasted a variety of native dishes and delicacies from the country’s culinary capital such as sisig, pork belly beringhe, relyenong batute, pancit luglug, among others.

In his speech, President Duterte spoke about improving the manufacturing side of the agricultural sector and expressed his support for land reform. He also pushed for the development of other key areas in the provinces that will help boost the country’s economic growth.

“Clark is a very important destination now in the Philippines. For want of space, kung may magpunta doon sa amin, easily I would say, ‘Go to Clark.’ And you have all the amenities of what a kind of a site you’ll have in the flat lands and the resources are also there,” President Duterte said.

“Ang kulang lang natin is the infrastructure for mobility. But in due time, I think in the fullness of God’s time we will have it. I hope it would come even half of what they have offered so far. Kasi kalahati lang sana. But Clark is a very important arterial place kasi ito ‘yung papalabas talaga ng Luzon upwards and the development because it is very important that we disperse the industries,” he added.

Likewise, President Duterte assured everybody that the ‘‘Philippines remains a safe place for visitors and continues to be a conducive investment destination.’’ According to him, the government is ‘’undertaking measures to encourage travelers to come here so they can have a more fun and exciting experience in the country.’’

He also reiterated his campaign promises before and vowed that his administration will implement them during his term.

“I will do exactly what I promised you. First, I said that I will stop corruption. Maaasahan talaga ninyo. And even if I have to fire, it will go on and on until I get rid of the major players. I have said it and I will do it. In the campaign, ‘di ba sinabi ko sa inyo, I will do it even if it would cost me the Presidency, my life or my honor,” he said.

The Kapampangan Food Festival is an initiative of a network of culinary experts and restaurant owners hailing from the province that aims to promote the Kapampangan culinary heritage.

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