Quezon hosts national kick-off for Filipino Food Month 2025

By Nimfa L. Estrellado President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graced the Filipino Food Month 2025 national kick-off in Lucena City, Quezon on Apr...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graced the Filipino Food Month 2025 national kick-off in Lucena City, Quezon on April 4, highlighting national support for promoting the country's culinary heritage. (PTV)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Quezon, known for some iconic dishes like Pancit Habhab, Lucban Longganisa, and Hardinera, showcased its rich culinary heritage today, April 4, 2025, by hosting the official national kick-off of Filipino Food Month (FFM) 2025. Centered at Block 1 of the Quezon Provincial Capitol Grounds in Lucena City, the event, led by Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan and the provincial government, launches a month of FFM festivities across the country this April.

Gracing the event was President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who joined the celebration alongside key national officials, including Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin and Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. In his address, the President emphasized the significance of Filipino kitchens "as sanctuaries of our history, culture, and identity as Filipinos."

In his speech, President Marcos underscored the link between cuisine and cultural appreciation. "Ang nauso ngayon sa pagka – pag-tourist, ayaw naman ng turista na pumunta lang sa ilang lugar, uupo lang sa tabi ng dagat, magbabasa ng libro, walang ginagawa. Ngayon, ang gusto ng mga turista, mayroon silang nakikita, mayroon silang nararanasan na masayang ginagawa. At napakalaking halaga – napakalaking halaga na ipakilala natin ang pagkaing Pilipino," he remarked, emphasizing food's role in fostering understanding, especially among foreign visitors.

He noted that tasting local dishes significantly deepens cultural comprehension, stating, "Dahil kapag nakakain na ang isang dayuhan nang masarap, kahit ano man na klaseng Filipino food, basta’t natikman na niya, malaki na ang kanyang pag-unawa sa kultura ng Pilipino. Kaya naman sa bawat paglalakbay natin sa mga rehiyon ng Pilipinas, natutuklasan po natin ang tiyaga at husay ng Pinoy sa pagluluto. Naniniwala po ako sa kasabihan na ang pagkain ay ang pinakamabilis na paraan upang pahalagahan ang ating kultura.."

To illustrate the Philippines' rich culinary diversity, the President cited examples such as Ilocos dinengdeng, Pampanga sisig, Cebu lechon, and mentioned enjoying Quezon's pancit habhab with longganisang Lucban during the event. Beyond celebrating the dishes, the President paid tribute to the "farmers, fisherfolk, and food industry workers" behind them, reaffirming the administration's commitment to supporting these sectors and ensuring "sufficient and affordable food for every Filipino" through initiatives like the Kadiwa program and efforts to manage prices and boost agricultural production.

The kick-off embraced the FFM theme "Sarap ng Pagkaing Pilipino: Yaman ng ating Kasaysayan, Kultura, at Pagkatao" (The Flavors of Filipino Food: Wealth of our History, Culture, and Identity). Tastings of Filipino Heritage Dishes (Pamanang Lutuing Filipino) were featured, highlighting the tradition and culture embedded in local cuisine.

Filipino Food Month is observed annually in April by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 469. The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) are mandated to lead the celebration, further strengthened by a 2021 partnership agreement with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement (PCHM) to spearhead the festivities.

Quezon's cuisine reflects both tradition and innovation. Beyond its famous dishes, the province's agriculture, rich in coconuts, rice, coffee, root crops, and tropical fruits, shapes local livelihoods and Filipino gastronomy. The widespread use of coconut milk (gata), for instance, is a direct result of this agricultural abundance, featuring prominently in many savory and sweet Quezonian specialties.

A highlight was the "Pamanang Lutuing Filipino Cooking Contest." Participants represented various municipalities across the province, including Mauban, Padre Burgos, Pagbilao, Calauag, Real, Lucban, Tayabas City, Catanauan, Quezon, Guinayangan, Mulanay, Tagkawayan, Agdangan, and Sariaya. The competition showcased traditional cooking methods and heirloom recipes, aligning with the event's theme. Judges included culinary figures identified as Chef JR, Chef Tatung, and Chef Marky.

Cultural performances added to the event. Local talents, including Elisha Esguerra De Pala, Nilo Alcala and Odette Garcia, D' Andrews-Matias and Andrei Mercurio, Terpsichorean Performing Arts Academy, Dulayan Theater Organization, MSEUF Concert Singers, Tiaong, Pagbilao, Lucban Streetdancers, Lucena West I Lyre Band, and the Sariaya Community Rondalla, presented songs, instrumental music, and dances reflecting Quezonian culture.

Agri-farm vendors offered fresh local products, allowing attendees to purchase ingredients directly from farmers and supporting local agriculture. This bustling marketplace highlighted the foundational role of local agriculture in creating the distinct flavors celebrated during Filipino Food Month.

Formally opening the month-long, nationwide FFM celebration, the Lucena City launch successfully highlighted Quezon's culinary heritage while promoting Filipino food culture and tradition. Organizers acknowledged the pivotal hosting role of the Provincial Government of Quezon, led by Governor Helen Tan and Provincial Tourism Officer Nesler Almagro, along with the contributions of Ms. Tina Decal to the provincial event.