The
National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), together with partner
agencies including the Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture, and
the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement, will lead the nationwide celebration
of Filipino Food Month in April 2026 under Presidential Proclamation No. 469.
Observed
every April, Filipino Food Month — also known as Buwan ng Kalutong Filipino —
highlights the richness of the country’s culinary traditions while promoting
Filipino cuisine as an important expression of national identity.
This
year’s theme, “Connected by Taste: Filipino Food in the Flavors of ASEAN,”
underscores the Philippines’ shared culinary heritage with its Southeast Asian
neighbors while celebrating the distinct flavors, traditions, and stories
behind Filipino food.
For
2026, the Iloilo City will host the national launch and major activities of the
month-long celebration. Recognized by UNESCO as the Philippines’ first Creative
City of Gastronomy, Iloilo is widely regarded as one of the country’s leading
culinary destinations and a fitting venue for discussions on food heritage and
regional cuisine.
Events
throughout April will include food festivals, cultural presentations, and
academic discussions organized by national agencies, local governments, and
culinary groups across the country.
Among
the major events is KainCon, scheduled from April 16 to 18, and Hapag ng
Pamana, which will take place in Zamboanga City and Marawi City later in the
month.
Several
regional festivals will also be held as part of the celebration, including the
Balikutsa Festival in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, the Halo-Halo Festival in Sultan
Kudarat, Philippines, the Taraon Festival in Infanta, Pangasinan, the Viva
Binatbatan Festival of Arts in Vigan City, and the Kanen Festival in
Urbiztondo, Pangasinan.
The
Department of Tourism will also mount “Karabasalicious” on April 13,
highlighting regional food traditions through culinary showcases and heritage
talks.
Meanwhile,
the NCCA will hold special cultural events at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition
Halls, including Food Fridates featuring local governments from Mabalacat City
and Samar Island, as well as Esplanade ThursDates on April 30.
Ahead
of the official launch, the Department of Agriculture will organize a Kadiwa
Pop-Up Store on April 2, promoting local agricultural products and supporting
Filipino farmers and food producers.
The
month-long celebration will culminate on May 2 with a closing ceremony and
turnover event.
Organizers
say the initiatives aim to deepen public appreciation for Filipino culinary
heritage, support local food producers, and position Filipino cuisine within
the broader cultural landscape of Southeast Asia.
