NCCA, DOT, DA, PCHM gear up for 2026 activities

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), together with its partner agencies, Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement (PCHM) is set to celebrate Filipino Food Month (Buwan ng Kalutong Filipino) 2026 through this April by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 469.

Filipino Food Month highlights the richness of Philippine culinary traditions and promotes Filipino cuisine as an essential expression of the country’s cultural identity. The 2026 theme, “Connected by Taste: Filipino Food in the Flavors of ASEAN,” emphasizes the Philippines’ shared culinary heritage with its Southeast Asian neighbors while celebrating the unique flavors, traditions, and stories that define Filipino food.

Lead agencies, in collaboration with local government units, culinary organizations, and cultural institutions across the country will conduct various initiatives in celebration of FFM for 2026. At the forefront of the local government units is the City Government of Iloilo who will host the national launch and major activities for the month. Set as the first Creative City of Gastronomy in the Philippines by UNESCO and one of the country’s premier culinary destinations, Iloilo provides a fitting backdrop for conversations on heritage, regional cuisines, and the evolving identity of Filipino Cuisine.

Throughout April 2026, a wide range of activities will also be held nationwide, including iconic NCCA initiatives such as KainCon on April 16 to 18, 2026 and Hapag ng Pamana in Zamboanga and Marawi City on April 18 and April 27-29 respectively.

A series of festivals will also be celebrated during Filipino Food Month, namely the Balikutsa Festival in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur on April 25, Halo-Halo Festival in Sultan Kudarat, Mindanao on April 26, the Taraon Festival in Infanta, Pangasinan and the Viva Binatbatan Festival of Arts on in Vigan, Ilocos Sur on April 28, and the Kanen Festival in Urbiztondo, Pangasinan on April 30, 2026.

Joining the celebration, a DOT-initiative entitled ‘KARABASALICIOUS’ will be held on April 13, 2026 alongside food heritage talks, regional food fairs, academic discussions, and cultural presentations that highlight the diversity of Filipino cuisine from indigenous food traditions to contemporary culinary innovations from other partner agencies.

NCCA will also be continuing their ‘dates’ at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls, this time dubbed ‘Food Fridates’ with Mabalacat Pampanga and Samar as their hosts LGUs on April 17 and 24 respectively. In addition, ‘Esplanade ThursDates’ will be held on April 30. This is a partnership notably held the first installment of this initiative with ‘Art FriDates’ in celebration of the National Arts Month 2026.

A DA-initiated Kadiwa Pop-Up Store on April 2, 2026 will be held before the official launch and opening of this year’s Filipino Food Month in Iloilo City and Camarines Sur on April 6, 2026. The FFM is set to culminate and officially close on May 2, 2026 with a turnover ceremony.

These activities aim to strengthen public appreciation for Filipino culinary heritage, support local food producers and creative industries, and position Filipino cuisine within the broader cultural landscape of ASEAN.