Unlegislating Culture
By Dayo
The recent veto of a bill aiming to officially declare Pampanga the culinary capital of the Philippines has sparked an interesting conversation: can, or should, culture be legislated? While the intention behind the bill may have been well-meaning, it highlights a fundamental truth about culture: it isn’t something fixed that can be defined by law, but rather a dynamic, lived experience shaped by its practitioners and celebrated by those who enjoy it. Culture, in its truest form, is organic, evolving, and deeply rooted in the collective consciousness of a community.
Legislating culture risks putting it in a box, turning it into a museum piece instead of letting it thrive as a living, breathing entity. It imposes an external definition of performance indicators and metrics, which might overlook the beautiful nuances and variations that make it rich. In the case of Pampanga, its culinary prowess is not just a legal term; it’s a reality recognized by many. The vibrant array of Kapampangan cuisine, its history, and its evolution showcase the community’s dedication to its culinary heritage. This appreciation stems from generations of cooks, market vendors, and families lovingly preserving their traditions, not from a legislative mandate.
At its core, culture is all about creating and re-creating. It grows from daily practices, shared experiences, and the knowledge passed down through generations. Laws are made to regulate behavior and set norms. They’re more about rules, while culture thrives on spontaneity and adaptation. Trying to legislate culture is like trying to control the uncontrollable or define something that is meant to be limitless. It’s a bit like trying to capture the flow of the Pampanga River in the Candaba Wetlands.
Moreover, legislating culture can unintentionally create a hierarchy of cultural expressions, favoring one interpretation. While Pampanga’s culinary contributions are undeniably special, other regions also have rich and diverse culinary traditions that deserve their moment in the spotlight. A legislative declaration, even if made with good intentions, could give a sense of exclusivity and overshadow the amazing contributions of other communities. The real affirmation of culture comes from organic recognition, from the spontaneous celebration of what each community offers.
The applause that culture receives is a testament to its inherent value. When Pampanga’s culinary delights are celebrated, it’s not because of the law but because of its food’s deliciousness and cultural significance. The many food festivals, cookbooks, and heartfelt stories that share the wonders of Kapampangan cuisine are far more valuable than any legislative declaration. This genuine recognition, rooted in lived experiences and shared appreciation, accurately measures cultural importance.
While the desire to legislate cultural recognition likely comes from a good place—to honor and preserve heritage—it ultimately misses the point about what culture truly is. Culture shouldn’t be boxed in by legislation. It’s lived, affirmed, and acclaimed. It’s the joyful expression of a community’s continuously evolving and adapting traditions. The proper acknowledgment of Pampanga’s culinary contributions lies not in a legal decree but in the heartfelt appreciation of its people and the wider world, showcasing the intense power of a lived culture. #
