A group of seven individuals standing in front of a display featuring the "Kayumanggí" cookbook at the Sheraton Manila Hotel. The display includes a large framed poster of the cookbook cover and several copies of the book arranged on a stand. The individuals, dressed in formal attire, include notable figures such as U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Her Excellency MaryKay L. Carlson, Kayumanggí cookbook author Chef Jam Melchor, DTI Assistant Secretary Leonila T. Baluyut, DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group Supervising Head Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, and other officials. The event celebrates the launch of the "Kayumanggí" cookbook, emphasizing the importance of Filipino culinary heritage and cultural preservation.
(From L-R) Assistant Director Joy Andrade, Public Relations of Newport World Resorts, Filipino food historian Ms. Felice Prudente Sta. Maria, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Her Excellency MaryKay Carlson, Kayumanggí cookbook author Chef Jam Melchor, DTI Assistant Secretary Leonila T. Baluyut, DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group Supervising Head Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista and General Manager Anna Liza Vergara, Sheraton Manila during the Kayumanggí cookbook launch. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines)

Pasay City, Philippines–– On February 20, The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched the cookbook “Kayumanggí: A Kaleidoscope of Filipino Flavors and Traditions” at Sheraton Manila Hotel. This landmark event affirmed the significance of Filipino gastronomy and culinary practices in preserving cultural heritage and driving economic development. It was in line with the DTI’s push to strengthen the Philippine creative industries.

Chef Jam Melchor, the author of “Kayumanggí” and a long-time advocate for Filipino culinary heritage, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the country’s food traditions.

“This book is more than just a collection of recipes—it is a testament to the depth and diversity of our food culture, ensuring that our culinary legacy is preserved for generations to come,” Chef Melchor stated. 

Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista shared this sentiment and underscored the DTI’s role in supporting creative industries, particularly those within the Traditional Cultural Expressions domain.

“With ‘Kayumanggí,’ we wanted to create something enduring—something families can pass down, not just as a cookbook, but as a piece of history that connects us to our roots,” Asec. Bautista underlined. 

A milestone in the promotion of Traditional Cultural Expressions, as stated in the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, the launch was graced by the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency MaryKay L. Carlson; Ms. Heather Powell, Assistant Secretary Lemuel Ortonio from the office of the Vice President; and DTI-Competitiveness and Innovation Group Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista.

Among the guests were Assistant Secretary Leonila T. Baluyut, Officer-In-Charge Executive Director Lilian G. Salonga, Director Marievic M. Bonoan, and Assistant Director Jo-Dann N. Darong.

“Kayumanggí” champions the preservation of the country’s gastronomic heritage. Under the Philippine Creative Industries Development Plan, the Traditional Cultural Expressions domain encompassesfood, gastronomy, and culinary practices. According to the 2023 Philippine Statistics Authority report, this sector accounts for 2.58 million jobs and contributes 3.4% to the industry’s total share. This demonstrates the crucial role of food traditions in empowering local communities and fostering economic opportunities. 

Through initiatives like “Kayumanggí,” the DTI continues to champion Filipino creativity to ensure that Philippine gastronomy remains a dynamic force in both our cultural preservation and global recognition. ♦

Date of Release: 24 February 2025

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