The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Tourism (DOT), and the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement (PCHM) prepare a set of programs and events for Filipino Food Month (FFM) 2024 or Buwan ng Kalutong Filipino 2024 with the theme “Kalutong Filipino, Lakas ng Kabataang Makabago.” Through a flavorful journey, this year’s FFM celebration caters to the youth, empowering them as leaders to promote Philippine culinary heritage and gastronomy.

By virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 469 signed in 2018, April of every year is declared as FFM or Buwan ng Kalutong Filipino. The NCCA and DA are mandated to lead the yearly celebration, whereas the PCHM and DOT shall coordinate and work closely with the mentioned agencies in the implementation of programs and events. The FFM 2024 observance aims to ensure the appreciation, preservation, and transmission of Filipino culinary traditions as an established art form to future generations while celebrating and uniting regional diversity as a collective Filipino identity, and supporting the industries, farmers, and agriculture communities.

This month-long and nationwide activity aims to:

• Appreciate, conserve, and protect culinary traditions and treasure
• Establish Filipino culinary traditions as an Art Form and ensure transmission to future generations
• Unite and celebrate the diversity in our regional uniqueness and
  recognize all as Filipino
• Support the various industries, farmers and agriculture communities

FFM 2024 PRESS CONFERENCE

Executives from the NCCA, Department of Agriculture – Philippines, Department of Tourism – Philippines, Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement encouraged media coverage and participation in the delectable set of programs and events for Filipino Food Month (FFM) 2024 or Buwan ng Kalutong Filipino 2024. Celebrating with the theme “Kalutong Filipino, Lakas ng Kabataang Makabago”, this year’s FFM celebration caters to the youth, empowering them as leaders to promote Philippine culinary heritage and gastronomy. Joining the press conference are NCCA Executive Director Oscar Casaysay, DOT Program Director Annray Villota Rivera, DOT-NCR Director Sharlene Zabala-Batin, PCHM President and Founder Chef Jose Antonio Miguel Melchor, Newport World Resorts President and CEO Kingson Sian, NCCA Deputy Directors Marichu Tellano and Bernan Joseph Corpuz, and other officials and stakeholders.

FFM 2024 KICK-OFF PROGRAM

Set to happen in Pampanga, regarded as the country’s Culinary Capital, the lead agencies will officially open the FFM on April 5, 2024 at Clark Parade Grounds, Mabalacat, Pampanga. The program is in partnership with Clark Development Corporation, the Provincial Government of Pampanga, the City Government of Mabalacat, DOT Region 3, and the Department of Trade and Industry Region 3.

BINI, Tanghalang Bagong Sibol, Male Ensemble Philippines, Tanglaw Filipiniana, Sinukwan Kapampangan, and other local artists will perform to enliven the program.

PHILIPPINE EATSPERIENCE

From April 3, the Intramuros and Rizal Park will provide a more festive Filipino experience during the Philippine Eatsperience, a year-long food fair offering our most delightful Filipino cuisines. The hotspots of Filipino heritage and tourism will exude the spirit of Filipino fiestas, the food fair will showcase various snacks, viands, street food, and other food items by local food stakeholders.

KAINCON 2024: FILIPINO FOOD CONFERENCE

From April 15 to 17, KainCon will be hosted at the Far Eastern University, Manila. Open to all students, academics, and industry professionals, the KainCon welcomes research in different areas of study such as Philippine gastronomy, food agritourism, culinary heritage, Philippine regional cuisine, and food security and sustainability in line with the theme “All Things Filipino Food: Community, Culture, and Economy.” Felice Prudente Sta. Maria, the pioneer researcher and historian of Philippine’s colonial food history, along with Erwan Heussaff, a James Beard Awardee and celebrity chef, are among the presenters during the conference.

This three-day academic research conference will unify chefs, gastronomic experts, and Filipino farmers in their mission to influence local food cultivation and establish preservation initiatives to revolutionize the Philippine eating landscape.

HAPAG NG PAMANA PHILIPPINE FOOD FESTIVAL

Local community engagement is highlighted in Hapag ng Pamana Philippine Food Festival in promoting regional culinary heritage, local producers, and stakeholders. The NCCA, in partnership with the provincial governments of Albay, Antique, and Tawi-Tawi, will launch the Hapag ng Pamana Philippine Food Festival in selected sites. The activities include food expositions, trade fairs, cooking demonstrations, food symposiums, conferences, workshops, cultural shows, food competitions, and other activities that highlight the festivity of Filipino food. The festivals are set to roll out from April 13 to 15 in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi; April 22 to 23 in Legazpi, Albay; and April 28 to 30 in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique.

FFM CELEBRATION IN ILOILO AND CAPIZ

The NCCA, Iloilo City, and Roxas City, Capiz come together to hold celebrations in their respective cities. With Iloilo City proudly bearing the title of UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the latest UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) 2023, this year’s festivities will explore food and culture exhibitions in universities throughout the city from April 22 to 30. Reading sessions with kids about food, table manners, and waste disposal will be held in the public libraries. The Iloilo International Food and Culture Conference will offer a delightful culinary journey for locals and visitors.

A three-day celebration in Roxas City, Capiz from April 18 to 20 will feature food expositions and trade fairs. Interactive activities such as cooking demonstrations, food symposiums, conferences, workshops, cultural shows, and food competitions will be held during the celebration.

HIGARA: A NIGHT OF FILIPINO FOOD CULTURE

Delectable cuisines of the Philippines made by the hands of Filipina chefs Waya Araos- Wijangco, Rhea Castro Sycip, and Jacqueline Laudico will be honored. The NCCA, in partnership with the Sheraton Manila Hotel will hold HIGARA: A Night of Filipino Food Culture, “6 Hands Dinner featuring Filipina chefs.” This initiative entails women’s participation in the formulation and implementation of plans for national, regional, and local developmental activities according to Republic Act No. 9710, also known as the Magna Carta of Women.

ANG SARAP: FILIPINO FOOD FESTIVAL 2024

Highlighting the different cuisines and dishes uniquely available in every region using indigenous ingredients, Ang Sarap: Philippine Food Festival 2024 is a three-day promotional and retail food selling exhibit. The festival will provide assistance to small farmers, producers, and processors to market their products and facilitate trade with buyers from April 26 to 28 at the SM Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

FFM CULMINATING PROGRAM

After the month-long celebration, the lead agencies will conclude the FFM 2024 on April 30, 2024 in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique to express gratitude to all the organizations and agencies that supported the promotion and cultivation of Filipino food.

To further promote FFM 2024, you may use the
official collaterals and media materials in the
FFM 2024 Festival Kit. You may download it via:
http://tinyurl.com/FFM-2024-Festival-Kit