Key stakeholders have gathered for a consultative discussion under the project “Namit Gid!: A Multistakeholder Collaboration for Ilonggo’s Batchoy,” strengthening collaborative efforts to protect, promote, and sustain the heritage of Iloilo’s iconic Lapaz batchoy.

Facilitated by the University of the Philippines (UP) Visayas Center for West Visayan Studies (CWVS), the meeting on Aug. 11 brought together stakeholders representing batchoy owners and producers, including the Iloilo City Government, Iloilo City Gastronomy Council, academe, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Among the batchoy establishments that are part of this collaborative initiative are Netong’s Original Special Lapaz Batchoy, Deco’s Lapaz Batchoy, Ted’s Oldtimer Lapaz Batchoy, Popoy’s Batchoy, Inggo’s Original Lapaz Batchoy, and Alicia’s Special Batchoy, whose participation provided valuable industry perspectives to the discussions.

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas, in a meeting with the participants, emphasized the importance of collaboration in protecting and promoting authentic Iloilo Batchoy. She underscored the need for an inclusive approach that benefits not only batchoy producers and establishments but also the wider Ilonggo community.

The meeting focused on preparations and collaborative efforts toward the certification mark for Iloilo Lapaz Batchoy. Particular attention was given to the formulation of an association of Lapaz Batchoy producers, owners, and cultural heritage stakeholders, which is envisioned to strengthen coordination and representation within the batchoy industry. The activity provides a platform for stakeholders to exchange inputs, align their efforts, and build consensus toward initiatives that will safeguard the identity and authenticity of Lapaz batchoy.

Through this multi-stakeholder collaboration, the project seeks to ensure that the continued development of the batchoy industry remains rooted in its cultural heritage while creating opportunities for local producers, supporting businesses, and contributing to the growth of Iloilo’s gastronomy tourism.

The Namit Gid Project is implemented by the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP CIDS) – Local – Regional Studies Network – Iloilo (LRSN) through the UPV CWVS.Aprille Danilly A. Guintibano/UPV