Washington, D.C. 6th-graders taste PH ‘gastrodiplomacy’

Students enjoy a sampling of chicken adobo, longganisa (pork sausage), sinangag (garlic fried rice) and cassava cake. CONTRIBUTED

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sixth-graders from LaSalle-Backus Education Campus were introduced to Philippine cuisine and food traditions during the second of three activities under the 2018 Embassy Adoption Program (EAP) on March 15.

In their visit to the Philippine Embassy, the students learned about the diverse cultural influences on Filipino cooking and dining. They were also taught the Filipino folk song “Bahay Kubo”.

After the presentation, the students and their teachers sampled chicken adobo, longganisa (pork sausage), sinangag (garlic fried rice) and cassava cake.

Embassy Public Diplomacy Officer Darell Artates shares information on Filipino food and dishes to LaSalle-Backus 6th graders during their visit to the Philippine Embassy. CONTRIBUTED

“When we do gastrodiplomacy, we share not only our food, but also a great deal about who we are as a nation. The Embassy wants these kids to have a taste not only of the dishes, but also the hospitality and sense of community inherent in the Philippine dining experience,” said the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Officer Darell Artates.

Established in 1974, the EAP is a partnership program of the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) and Washington Performing Arts. The EAP is a unique education initiative that exposes DCPS students to international perspectives and cross-cultural lessons.

A student volunteers to sing “Bahay Kubo.” CONTRIBUTED ​.​

Through direct interactions with diplomats and global representatives from around the world, fifth and sixth grade students attending DC Public Schools can learn about the language, customs, history, and culture of their partner’s home country or region.

This is the fourth year that the Embassy is participating in the EAP. ###