Iloilo City served up another celebration of Filipino cuisine on October 16–17, as culinary talents from across the country gathered to showcase the flavors, traditions, and creativity that make regional food a source of pride.

Hosting the National Food Showdown for the second time, the City of Gastronomy welcomed 345 participants from 32 schools and 25 professional institutions for the 17th National Food Showdown 2026, themed “Kulinarya Rehiyones: Lasap Pilipino (Philippine Flavours).”

The competition celebrated the country’s diverse culinary heritage, with contestants showcasing their skills in preparing regional dishes, pastries, desserts, cocktails, coffee, and other food and beverage creations.

Taking home the top honors were Western Institute of Technology (WIT), named Presidential Overall Champion in the student division, and St. Therese-MTC Colleges, which earned the same distinction in the professional division.

For Iloilo City, the event goes beyond competition. As a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, it provides an opportunity to share local food traditions with a wider audience while encouraging culinary professionals to preserve heritage and explore new techniques.

Mayor Raisa S. Treñas urged Ilonggos to take pride in and support the local food industry, emphasizing that food is an important part of the city’s culture and identity. She expressed hope that more people would discover Iloilo City through its cuisine, bringing greater opportunities for local farmers, food entrepreneurs, and businesses to grow and reach new markets.

Iloilo’s culinary identity is reflected in signature dishes such as La Paz Batchoy, KBL (Kadios, Baboy and Langka), chicken inasal, and other Ilonggo specialties that carry generations of tradition and local ingenuity.

The competition also recognized outstanding performances across several categories. In the student division, Central Philippine University won gold in Klasika/Moderna Kulinarya – The Regional Set Menu. VMA Global College and Training Centers Inc., Lyceum of the Philippines University–Laguna, and WIT earned gold in Regional Flair and Bartending – Dinagyang Fiesta.

Other student division winners included Guimaras State University, which earned gold with distinction in the Cacao Concoction Challenge; the University of Santo Tomas, which won gold in Best Regional/Modern Cooking Technique – Binacol; and WIT, which received gold with distinction in Wedding Cake Display – Symphony in White.

In the professional division, St. Therese-MTC Colleges took gold in the Chocolate Cake Challenge, Regional Fruit Jam, and Best Regional/Modern Recipe – Nilagpang. Courtyard by Marriott also secured gold in Regional Flair and Bartending – Dinagyang Fiesta and competitions featuring Guinat-an, Binacol, and Kadyos, Native Chicken and Ubad.

Treñas thanked event founder Chef Myrna Segismundo, Iloilo MICE Alliance Chairperson Natalie Lim, Allan Ryan Tan, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–Iloilo Chapter Inc. President Jerduen “Noi” L. Dongor, and the Iloilo City MICE Center for helping make the event successful.

With Iloilo City hosting the competition for a second time, the National Food Showdown continues to provide a platform for culinary talents to celebrate regional ingredients, traditional recipes, and innovative cooking techniques.

Beyond the competition, the event also celebrated the richness of Filipino culinary heritage and the people who keep its flavors and traditions alive.