Filipino Food Month 2021 Goes Online. Here's Why It Matters

April is Filipino Food Month. We're looking forward to a month-long series of virtual events and activities spotlighting one of the most relevant issues of the pandemic: food. 

Now on its third year, Filipino Food Month (Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino) is a platform to campaign for the appreciation and preservation of Filipino culinary heritage. From the start, it sparked important conversations among chefs, restaurateurs, food producers and scholars; and supported communities with an interest in Filipino food. This year, Filipino Food Month is especially relevant as Filipinos face concerns about food security and the livelihood of farmers, fishermen and other food producers. 

Spearheaded by the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement (PCHM) in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), this year’s celebration is themed “Iba’t Ibang Luto, Pinoy ang Puso.”

“Filipino Food Month is not only about Filipino food and heritage, but an opportunity to give thanks to the our farmers and fishermen, and the various heroes for their food security contributions and their roles as frontliners during the pandemic,” said Department of Agriculture Secretary William Dar.

In observance of the “new normal” guidelines, Filipino Food Month this year will be rolled in the virtual space, through online talks, a webinar, an online exhibition, and a film competition.

Philippines on a Plate is a series of online seminars scheduled  every Tuesday and Thursday, April 7 to April 29, 2021.

An online exhibition on the unsung “Culinary Heritage of the Philippines” will feature 15 traditional cuisines from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and showcase the indigenous food of various cultural communities. 

Cuisinema, a short film competition, will be held in partnership with CineKabalen to encourage Filipino filmmakers to showcase their particular food heritage and highlight local ingredients and heirloom cooking techniques. 

2021 is proving to be a challenging year, as Filipinos face an extended lockdown. Food becomes all important, not only for survival, but also as a source of comfort and nourishment, giving us a sense of identity that strengthens our bonds as a community, which is so essential in a crisis. 

Be part of this Filipino community and take comfort in the gifts of your culinary heritage.

For more details, follow @FilipinoFoodMonthOfficial on Facebook or Instagram. Interested participants may contact the NCCA Public Affairs and Information Office at (0928) 508-1057 or at ncca.paio@gmail.com.

Lead photo: Pat Mateo for Food Magazine, 2017