Bohol&rsquo;s artisanal sea salt, asin tibuok, has officially been added to UNESCO&rsquo;s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. This makes it the first traditional Filipino food process to receive this honor. The announcement was made during the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage on December 9 in New Delhi, India.
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The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) shared the news online, highlighting the recognition as a milestone for Philippine heritage. They noted that the accolade also celebrates the craftsmanship of Alburquerque&rsquo;s salt makers, whose skillful hands shape the clay pots that are essential to traditional salt-making. The NCCA emphasized that the recognition will encourage closer collaboration with local communities to support the industry, preserve their cultural and economic role, and ensure the tradition continues for future generations.
Bohol&rsquo;s asin tibuok is the sixth Filipino cultural practice to be recognized by UNESCO, joining:
Hudhud chants of the Ifugao (2008)
Darangen epic of the Maranaw people of Lake Lanao (2008)
Punnuk tugging game of the Ifugao (2015)
Aklan pi&ntilde;a handloom weaving (2023)
Subanen ritual buklog (2019) in the Urgent Safeguarding list
School of Living Traditions (2021) in the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices
With this recognition, asin tibuok not only shines as a culinary treasure but also as a living symbol of Bohol&rsquo;s rich culture and resilience.