April declared ‘Filipino Food Month’

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang declared April of every year as “Filipino Food Month” to recognize and preserve the country’s culinary tradition.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation 469 last Friday but the document was only released Tuesday.

“Our vast culinary tradition and treasures should be appreciated, preserved and promoted to ensure their transmission to future generations and to support the various industries, farmers and agri-communities which benefit therefrom,” the proclamation reads.

The Department of Agriculture and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts are tasked to lead the celebration, which is also called as “Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino.”

Popular Filipino dishes that compose Filipino cuisine are from the cuisines of Kapampangan, Bicol, Ilocano, Cebuano and Tagalog, among others.