The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), together with the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement (PCHM), is preparing a series of activities nationwide to celebrate Filipino Food Month this April in line with Presidential Proclamation No. 469.

Filipino Food Month highlights the richness of Philippine culinary traditions and promotes Filipino cuisine as a key expression of the country’s cultural 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 unique flavors, traditions, and stories behind Filipino food.

The celebration will be led by national agencies in collaboration with local government units, culinary groups, and cultural institutions across the country. The Iloilo City, recognized by UNESCO as the country’s first Creative City of Gastronomy, will host the national launch and major events for the month.

Among the key activities lined up for April are KainCon, scheduled on April 16–18, and Hapag ng Pamana, which will be held in Zamboanga City on April 18 and in Marawi City from April 27 to 29.

Several food festivals will also be held across the country, including the Balikutsa Festival in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur on April 25; the Halo-Halo Festival in Sultan Kudarat on April 26; the Taraon Festival in Infanta, Pangasinan and the Viva Binatbatan Festival of Arts in Vigan City on April 28; and the Kanen Festival in Urbiztondo, Pangasinan on April 30.

The DOT will also spearhead “Karabasalicious,” a culinary event scheduled on April 13, featuring food heritage talks, regional food fairs, academic discussions, and cultural presentations highlighting the diversity of Filipino cuisine—from indigenous food traditions to contemporary culinary innovations.

Meanwhile, the NCCA will host “Food FriDates” at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls, with local government units from Mabalacat City and Samar serving as partners on April 17 and 24, respectively. The agency will also hold “Esplanade ThursDates” on April 30, continuing the series first launched as Art FriDates during the celebration of National Arts Month 2026.

Prior to the official launch, the DA will organize a Kadiwa Pop-Up Store on April 2, while the formal opening of Filipino Food Month activities will take place in Iloilo City and Camarines Sur on April 6. The month-long celebration will conclude with a turnover ceremony on May 2.

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