“Contrary to some claims, there is no contract or even an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with World Street Food Organizers. In other words, there was no project to cancel in the first place,” Department of Tourism (DOT) chief Berna Romulo-Puyat told CNN Philippines in a message.
The organizers, in a Facebook post, expressed dismay over the supposed cancelation of the gastronomic event, which was supposed to push through this October after it failed to do so in 2018.
“No reason nor rhyme was given and this was after six months of legwork the WSFC did in curating and accommodating the TPB (Tourism Promotions Board) and DOT (Department of Tourism) ideals for the event,” they explained.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 14) — Organizers of the World Street Food Congress said Tuesday the gastronomic event has been canceled again this year, but Tourism Secretary Romulo Puyat claimed there was no project to cancel in the first place.
The WSFC in 2018 was canceled with organizers citing “circumstances beyond our control” as the reason.
The organizers said they have invited chefs and food professionals from 14 countries and studied with culinary colleges in the country to prepare.
However, they said the cancelation wasn’t personal.
“This (is) unbecoming of the TPB and DOT, but we doubt this is personal as we have a good working relationship with the ground team,” they said.
Puyat, however, said the ₱46 million event featuring street food was “reviewed thoroughly” to assess its contribution to Philippine tourism.
“TPB management has recommended to the Board to withhold participation in light of the project cost and return,” she explained.
