Protecting the La Paz Batchoy: Pathways to Geographical Indication
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Authors:
Mary Rose Rebueno
University of the Philippines Visayas
[email protected]Ramon Benedicto Alampay
University of the Philippines Diliman
[email protected] -
Volume:
2026
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Type:
Full-Length Peer-Reviewed Article
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Abstract:
La Paz Batchoy is the signature dish of Iloilo City as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. However, the proliferation of mass-produced instant noodle variants using the “La Paz Batchoy” name threatens to dilute its cultural authenticity and economic value. The enactment of a sui generis geographical indication (GI) system in the Philippines offers an opportunity to establish statutory protection of La Paz Batchoy. This paper explores the feasibility, structural requirements, and policy mechanisms for securing GI protection to safeguard La Paz Batchoy as an intangible cultural heritage. Grounded in collaborative governance theory, this study synthesizes legal document analysis, key informant interviews (KI), and qualitative data from multi-stakeholder consultations involving local batchoy owners, Iloilo City local government unit (LGU), intellectual property and gastronomy specialists and the academe. Findings reveal two main bottlenecks to GI registration: the absence of a standardized Code of Practice defining technical specifications and the lack of a formal Batchoy association to enforce standards. Securing GI protection requires the Iloilo City LGU to act as an enabler by facilitating the formation of a unified Batchoy Association. As an interim strategy, local stakeholders can pursue an LGU-led Certification Mark or Collective Mark before finalizing full GI registration.
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Keywords:
La Paz Batchoy, Geographical Indication, culinary heritage, collaborative governance, Iloilo City
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Citation:
Rebueno, Mary Rose G., and Ramon Benedicto Alampay. “Protecting the La Paz Batchoy: Pathways to Geographical Indication.” Philippine Journal of Public Policy: Interdisciplinary Development Perspectives, (2026): 68–90.