As the country serves as the chair of the bloc this year.
In April, the Philippines’ National Commission for the Culture and the Arts will lead the celebrations for the 2026 Filipino Food Month.
With the theme “Connected by Taste: Filipino Food in the Flavors of ASEAN,” the celebration aims to highlight the unique traditions in the country, the connection of Filipino food with the rest of the Southeast Asian region, reflect regional influences and the localized adaptations as an integral part of the shared heritage.
Chairman and Executive Director Eric Zerrudo noted at the launch event last March 6, “Many of our beloved traditions rooted in food affirm that we share a common bond in ASEAN communities—that food is life, memory, and belonging.“
He emphasized, “Food connects us beyond borders, bridges languages, and creates dialogue where words may fail.”
The NCCA will lead the month-long festivities kicking off with a Nationwide Opening Ceremony in Iloilo City, the Philippines’ first UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy, with synchronized regional celebrations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
More than being part of a shared heritage, FFM will also honor local farmers, fisherfolk, and agri-preneurs who collectively serve as the backbone of the industry.
“This celebration reminds us that culture and agriculture are inseparable,” told Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. in his message.
“When we elevate Filipino food, we also uplift local produce, traditional crops, and indigenous knowledge. When we engage ASEAN through cuisine, we open doors to deeper cooperation in food security, trade, innovation, and cultural exchange.”
For its part, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reaffirmed its commitment to championing Filipino cuisine and culinary assets across tourism destinations in the country, which plays a vital part in the tourism sector.
Meanwhile, Jose Antonio Miguel Melchor of the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement said, “Food is a shared responsibility. We believe that protecting Filipino food means protecting the entire ecosystem that supports it.“
He also vowed his organization’s support to the cause and said, “We will continue to advocate for preservation of traditional recipes, promotion of indigenous ingredients, and education of future generations about the value of our own heritage.”
The FFM is celebrated April annually to ensure the preservation and promotion of the country’s rich culinary heritage, as mandated by Proclamation No. 469 that was signed in 2018.