ILOILO CITY — The smell of simmering KBL and fresh laswa is filling the kitchens of the Technical Institute of Iloilo City this month as the city government offers free hands‑on cooking classes to anyone 18 and above. The “Lutong Ilonggo” series celebrates the 89th Charter Day by passing down the recipes that earned Iloilo its UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy title.
A Flavorful Gift for Charter Month
The city government, working with the Technical Institute of Iloilo City and Iloilo City Gastronomy, designed the program to be accessible and deeply practical. Each Saturday batch focuses on a different set of heritage dishes, meaning participants can attend multiple sessions and walk away with a full menu of Ilonggo specialties. The classes are free, requiring only two simple documents to enroll.
The institute’s Molo campus has transformed into a community kitchen where experienced instructors share techniques passed down through generations. Participants work with native ingredients and learn why batuan gives sinigang its distinct sourness or how the right cut of pork makes KBL unforgettable. Beyond the recipes, students absorb the stories behind each dish, turning a simple cooking class into a cultural experience.
Who Can Join and How
Any resident of Iloilo City aged 18 and above with a love for cooking is welcome. The remaining batches are scheduled for August 8, 15, and 22, all running from eight in the morning until eleven. Enrollment requires an original barangay certificate of residency and a photocopy of any valid ID showing name, address, and birthdate.
Interested participants need to bring those documents to the Office of the Registrar at the Technical Institute of Iloilo City on M.H. del Pilar Street in Molo. Inquiries can also be made through the landline number (033) 337‑6711, by email at [email protected], or via the school’s Facebook page. The institute encourages early submission since slots are limited and fill quickly.
More Than Just Cooking
The program reflects the city’s commitment to preserving its gastronomic heritage while providing practical livelihood skills. For aspiring food entrepreneurs, the class is a stepping stone toward offering authentic Ilonggo dishes commercially. For home cooks, it is a chance to deepen family traditions and keep beloved recipes alive.
The “Lutong Ilonggo” series complements other Charter Month events such as the Calle Real Night Market and health fairs, creating a month‑long celebration of community and culture. By investing in these grassroots programs, Iloilo City ensures that its UNESCO designation is not just a title on paper but a living, breathing part of everyday Ilonggo life.
