Join the month-long celebration of Filipino Food Month, organized by the NCCA, DA, DoT, and PCHM, as it promotes Filipino cuisine, supports local farmers, and preserves culinary traditions.

Filipino Food Month: Celebrating the Rich Culinary Heritage of the Philippines

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Next week, the Filipino Food Month (FFM) will kick off in Pampanga, known as the "Culinary Capital" of the Philippines. This month-long celebration is organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Departments of Agriculture (DA) and Tourism (DoT), and the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement (PCHM), with the theme "Kalutong Filipino, Lakas ng Kabataang Makabago" (Filipino cuisine, strength of the new youth).

( Credit to: Bworldonline )

Filipino Food Month was established through Presidential Proclamation No. 469 in 2018, designating April as a time to celebrate Filipino cuisine. The NCCA and DA take the lead in organizing the annual celebration, while the PCHM and DoT collaborate closely to ensure the success of various programs and events. The aim of FFM 2024 is to promote the appreciation, preservation, and transmission of Filipino culinary traditions to future generations, while also celebrating the diversity of regional cuisines and supporting local farmers and agriculture communities.

Opening Ceremony and Philippine Eatsperience

The official opening of Filipino Food Month will take place on April 5 at the Clark Parade Grounds in Mabalacat, Pampanga. The event is organized in partnership with the Clark Development Corp., the Provincial Government of Pampanga, the City Government of Mabalacat, DoT Region 3, and the Department of Trade and Industry Region 3. The opening ceremony will feature performances by local artists such as BINI, Tanghalang Bagong Sibol, the Male Ensemble Philippines, Tanglaw Filipiniana, and Sinukwan Kapampangan.

Prior to the official opening, on April 3, the Philippine Eatsperience, a year-long food fair, will commence at Intramuros and Rizal Park in Manila. This fair aims to showcase the rich diversity of Filipino cuisine and provide a platform for local food entrepreneurs to showcase their products.

KainCon: Exploring Philippine Gastronomy

From April 15 to 17, the Far Eastern University in Manila will host a food conference called KainCon. This conference is open to students, academics, and industry professionals and will feature talks on Philippine gastronomy, food agritourism, culinary heritage, regional cuisine, and food security and sustainability. Prominent speakers include Felice Prudente Sta. Maria, a renowned researcher and historian of Philippine colonial food history, and Erwan Heussaff, a James Beard Awardee and celebrity chef.

Hapag ng Pamana Philippine Food Festival

Community engagement is a key aspect of Filipino Food Month, and one of the highlights is the Hapag ng Pamana Philippine Food Festival. This festival aims to promote regional culinary heritage, local producers, and stakeholders. The NCCA, in collaboration with the provincial governments of Albay, Antique, and Tawi-Tawi, will launch the festival in these regions. The festival will feature various activities such as food expositions, trade fairs, cooking demonstrations, symposiums, workshops, cultural shows, and food competitions.

Regional Celebrations and Special Events

In addition to these regional celebrations, Iloilo, recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, will also have its own festivities. Food and culture exhibitions will be held in universities throughout the city, along with reading sessions for children on topics such as food, table manners, and waste disposal. The Iloilo International Food and Culture Conference will also offer a culinary journey for locals and visitors.

Roxas City in Capiz will host a three-day celebration from April 18 to 20, featuring food expositions, trade fairs, cooking demonstrations, symposiums, workshops, cultural shows, and food competitions.

To honor regional cuisines, renowned Filipina chefs Waya Araos-Wijangco, Rhea Castro Sycip, and Jacqueline Laudico will collaborate for a special six-hands dinner called "Higara: A Night of Filipino Food Culture" at the Sheraton Manila Hotel.

Another event that showcases regional cuisine is the Ang Sarap: Philippine Food Festival 2024. This three-day exhibition aims to promote and sell products from small farmers, producers, and processors, facilitating trade with buyers. The festival will take place from April 26 to 28 at the SM Megatrade Hall in Mandaluyong City.

Culminating Event and Conclusion

Filipino Food Month will culminate with a final activity in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, on April 30.

Throughout April, Filipino Food Month will celebrate the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines, unite regional diversity, and support local industries and communities. It is a time to appreciate and enjoy the flavors and traditions that make Filipino cuisine unique.