Filipino Food Month takes place in April each year. The month was created to appreciate and preserve Filipino culinary heritage, as well as the farmers and fishermen who make it all possible. The events scheduled for the month typically include food competitions, exhibitions, and online seminars. The creation of Filipino Food Month is due to the efforts of the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement, which lobbied for the establishment of the month. In 2018, Presidential Proclamation No. 469 declared April as Filipino Food Month.
History of Filipino Food Month
Filipino Food Month was created in 2018, according to Presidential Proclamation No. 469. It all began when the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement (P.C.H.M.) lobbied the Department of Agriculture (D.A.) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (N.C.C.A.) in 2016, requesting that April be declared Filipino Food Month or ‘Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino.’ Now, these three government bodies, alongside the Department of Tourism, plan and organize the activities and events of the month.
Explaining the necessity of the holiday, P.C.H.M.’s President Jam Melchor stated, “Just like our beautiful old songs, antique houses, and folk dance, our long-standing culinary traditions need to be served as well, especially since many of our heirloom food products and practices are slowly disappearing in the face of globalization of food culture.”
The creation of this food month ignited conversation and interest among members of the food industry, from scholars to restaurateurs to chefs and food producers. Yet Filipino Food Month is not only about Filipino food. According to William Dar, the D.A. Secretary, the month also presents a good opportunity to thank and appreciate farmers, fishermen, and all who contribute to food security in one way or another. Activities for the month usually include cooking demonstrations, contests and exhibitions, and seminars. In 2021, an online seminar titled ‘Culinary Heritage of the Philippines’ featured traditional food from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao — Islands of the Philippines.
Filipino Food Month timeline
Rice production in the Philippines hits a surplus, making exportation possible.
The Philippines gains independence from the United States.
The P.C.H.M. lobbies for the creation of Filipino Food Month.
Filipino Food Month is created through Presidential Proclamation No. 469.
Filipino Food Month FAQs
What is the official language of the Philippines?
The official languages of the Philippines are Filipino and English.
When did the Philippines gain independence?
The Republic of the Philippines gained independence from the United States on July 4, 1946.
What is the currency of the Philippines?
The Philippines uses the Philippine peso as its official currency.
Filipino Food Month Activities
Visit a Filipino restaurant
This April, add some spice to your diet by dining at a lovely Filipino restaurant. If you can’t find one near you, try your hand at a Filipino recipe and whip up something good!
Learn more about the Philippines
Make all your travel fantasies come true. Take a virtual trip to the Philippines by learning all you can about the fascinating country!
Use the hashtag
It’s always more fun when we’re celebrating together. Share all you know about Filipino Food Month and make sure to use the hashtag #filipinofoodmonth!
5 Of The Best, Most Famous Filipino Foods
Adobo
Made from either chicken or pork — or a combo of both — the meat is stewed in a soy-vinegar mix.
Kare-kare
Served alongside fermented seafood paste, kare-kare is a stew made from oxtail or other types of meat, alongside a peanut sauce.
Sinigang
Sinigang is a sour broth made from tamarind, vegetables, and meat.
Crispy pata
Served alongside a soy-vinegar sauce and chopped spices, crispy pata involves deep-frying a full pig leg.
Lechon
Lechon is made by roasting an entire pig until it’s brown and crispy on the outside.
Why We Love Filipino Food Month
It promotes Filipino culinary heritage
In the busy world of fast food, Filipino Food Month brings us back to cultural basics. The month-long event promotes the rich cultural heritage behind traditional Filipino food.
It appreciates farmers and fishermen
Before food gets to our tables, it goes through arduous and unglamorous processes. Thanks to the hard work of farmers and fishermen, we have clean, healthy food to make our meals.
It gives opportunities to chefs and food producers
The various events and activities that take place during Filipino Food Month provide opportunities to chefs, restaurateurs, and food producers. Not only do they have the chance to showcase their unique skills, but these professionals also get to brainstorm together and come up with more brilliant ideas.
Filipino Food Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 1 | Thursday |
| 2028 | April 1 | Saturday |
| 2029 | April 1 | Sunday |
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