Manila, March 27 -- The Department of Tourism-Region 10 (DOT-10) called on young Filipinos to reinvent and promote local cuisine as a cultural export during Thursday's opening of Liceo de Cagayan University's "Panagdait 2025" food and culture festival.

DOT-10 Director Marie Elaine Unchuan underscored culinary diplomacy's role in tourism during her keynote address at the School of Business Management Administration event.

"Our dishes tell the story of our heritage -whether through street food innovations or fine dining interpretations," Unchuan said while touring student exhibits showcasing global cuisines with Filipino twists.

She highlighted Northern Mindanao's distinct flavors like sinuglaw (grilled pork and fish ceviche) and pastel ...