The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement (PCHM) are collaborating to orchestrate a series of programs and events for Filipino Food Month (FFM) 2024, themed “Kalutong Filipino, Lakas ng Kabataang Makabago.” This year’s FFM celebrations are designed to engage and empower the youth, positioning them as advocates for Philippine culinary heritage and gastronomy.
In accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 469 signed in 2018, April is designated as FFM or Buwan ng Kalutong Filipino. The NCCA and DA are entrusted with leading the annual celebration, while the DOT and PCHM will closely coordinate and collaborate with these agencies in executing programs and events.
The FFM 2024 endeavors to foster appreciation, preservation, and transmission of Filipino culinary traditions as a recognized art form for future generations. Simultaneously, it aims to celebrate and unify regional diversity as an integral part of Filipino identity, while also extending support to industries, farmers, and agricultural communities.
Filipino Food Month 2024 Schedule of Activities Nationwide
April 3: Start of Philippine Eatsperience (8:00 am – 5:00 pm) Experience the festive Filipino vibe in Intramuros and Rizal Park throughout the year. These iconic spots of Filipino heritage and tourism will host a food fair featuring various viands, snacks, street food, and other local delicacies.
April 5: FFM Kick-off Program (1:00 pm – 7:00 pm) Set to happen in Pampanga, the country’s culinary capital, the official launch of FFM is set at Clark Parade Grounds, Mabalacat, Pampanga. It will also showcase performances by local artists such as BINI, Tanghalang Bagong Sibol, Male Ensemble Philippines, Tanglaw Filipiniana, Sinukwan Kapampangan, among others.
April 13 – Hapag ng Pamana Philippine Food Festival (April 13 to April 15 in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi; April 22 to April 23 in Legazpi, Bicol; April 28 to April 30 in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique) There will be a series of food expos, trade fairs, cooking demos, food symposiums, and workshops highlighting regional culinary heritage, local producers, and stakeholders. Hosted by the NCCA in collaboration with the provincial governments of Albay, Antique, and Tawi-Tawi.
April 15 – 17: Kaincon at Far Eastern University Manila Auditorium (8:00 am – 3:00 pm) Featuring Slow Food Cuisine by the PCHM, NCCA, and Slow Food Youth Network.
April 20: Hibla (7:00 pm onwards at Palm Grill Gateway 2, Araneta Center) An event by Chef Sharwin Tee and Miguel Moreno.
April 22 – FFM Celebration in Iloilo City and Capiz (8:00 am – 5:00 pm) Celebrations in Iloilo City and Roxas City come together to hold celebrations in their respective cities. Iloilo, proudly bearing the title UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the latest UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) 2023, will host the Iloilo International Food and Culture Conference from April 22-30. Roxas City, the seafood capital, will feature an advanced three-day celebration with food expositions and trade fairs from April 18-20.
April 24: Higara – A Night of Filipino Food Culture. An evening honoring the culinary talents of Filipina chefs Waya Araos-Wijangco, Rhea Castro-Sycip, and Jacqueline Laudico. Hosted by the NCCA in partnership with Sheraton Manila Hotel.
April 26 – 28: Ang Sarap: Philippine Food Festival 2024 (Mall hours at SM Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City) Highlights the unique cuisines and dishes from every region using indigenous ingredients. The festival aims to support small farmers, producers, and processors.
April 30: Culminating Program in Antique City. After the month-long celebration, the lead agencies will conclude the FFM 2024 on April 30, 2024 in San Jose de Buenavista to express gratitude to all the organizations and agencies that supported the promotion and cultivation of Filipino food.
For queries on the celebration of FFM, please email oded.spu@ncca.gov.ph. For inquiries and clarifications, please contact the FFM official page: https://www.facebook.com/FilipinoFoodMonthOfficial.