The Department of Agriculture (DA) joins the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Department of Tourism (DOT), and Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement in the celebration of the Filipino Food Month (FFM) or Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. and Undersecretary for Special Concerns and Chairman of this year’s celebration Jerome V. Oliveros led the kick-off ceremony of the FFM on April 8, 2024 at the DA Lobby in Quezon City. Joining them were Assistant Secretary for Consumer Affairs, Atty. Genevieve E. Velicaria-Guevarra, AMAS Director Junibert E. De Sagun and other DA officials.

With the theme “Kalutong Filipino, Lakas ng Kabataang Makabago”, this year’s FFM underscores the role of the youth in preserving the country’s rich culinary tradition.

The Filipino Food Month is observed every April through Presidential Proclamation No. 469, series of 2018. It aims to advocate for food, gastronomy, and farm tourism to foster awareness, appreciation, and preservation of Filipino culinary history and heritage.

During his message, Sec. Tiu Laurel highlighted the importance of youth in shaping, preserving and innovating Filipino culinary heritage.

“We need to encourage our youth to go farming again. Sa pagluluto, importante doon ang mga youth para gumawa ng makabagong panlasang Pilipino,” Sec. Tiu Laurel said, adding his hopes for the success of Filipino chefs in showcasing Filipino cuisine globally.

As highlight of the event, the DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service and the Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division set up exhibits and stalls featuring the Young Farmers Challenge winners and Kadiwa partners. The celebration is simultaneously conducted in the DA Regional Field Offices. ### (Kristel Joyce Merle, DA-AFID)