The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) will lead Filipino Food Month (FFM) this April. The celebration follows Presidential Proclamation No. 469. Partner agencies include the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement (PCHM). The 2026 theme is “Connected by Taste: Filipino Food in the Flavors of ASEAN.” It highlights shared culinary heritage with Southeast Asian neighbors.
Iloilo City will host the national launch. The city is the first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in the Philippines. Local government units, culinary groups, and cultural institutions will join the events.
Key activities are slated throughout the month. NCCA will hold KainCon from April 16‑18. Hapag ng Pamana will take place in Zamboanga on April 18 and in Marawi City from April 27‑30.
Festivals will spice up the calendar. The Balikutsa Festival in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur is set for April 25. The Halo‑Halo Festival in Sultan Kudarat, Mindanao follows on April 26. Infanta, Pangasinan will celebrate the Taraon Festival on April 27. Vigan, Ilocos Sur will host the Viva Binatbatan Festival of Arts on April 28. The Kanen Festival in Urbiztondo, Pangasinan closes the series on April 30.
DOT’s “KARABASALICIOUS” event will launch on April 13. It will feature food heritage talks, regional fairs, academic panels, and cultural presentations.
NCCA will continue its “Food Fridates” at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls. Mabalacat, Pampanga will host on April 17, and Samar on April 24. An “Esplanade ThursDates” event is planned for April 30.
DA will run a Kadiwa Pop‑Up Store on April 2. The official FFM opening will occur in Iloilo City and Camarines Sur on April 6.
Filipino Food Month will end with a turnover ceremony on May 2. Organizers say the program will boost appreciation for Filipino culinary heritage. It will also support local producers and showcase Philippine cuisine across ASEAN.
