04/04/2026
Connect through taste this April!
Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 469, s. 2018, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), together with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Tourism, and the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement, lead the nationwide celebration of Buwan ng Kalutong Filipino or Filipino Food Month (FFM) 2026, with the theme “Connected by Taste: The Filipino Food in the Flavors of ASEAN.”
The FFM 2026 celebration is strategically anchored on the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026 and its hosting of the 48th and 49th ASEAN Summits, positioning Filipino culinary heritage as both a cultural asset and a driver of inclusive growth within the ASEAN region. Consistent with the Philippine Development Plan for the Creative Arts (PDPCA) and national development priorities, the initiative underscores the role of food heritage in strengthening cultural identity, advancing creative industries, supporting local food systems, and promoting sustainable tourism.
While ASEAN member states maintain distinct culinary traditions, shared histories, indigenous knowledge, and cross-cultural exchanges have shaped a common ASEAN culinary landscape. Filipino food, reflecting regional influences and localized adaptations, forms an integral part of this shared heritage. FFM 2026 seeks to articulate this connection by highlighting the Philippines’ unique culinary narratives within the broader ASEAN context, contributing to cultural diplomacy and regional cooperation.
Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 469, s. 2018, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), together with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Tourism, and the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement, led the nationwide celebration of Buwan ng Kalutong Filipino or Filipino Food Month (FFM) 2026, with the theme “Connected by Taste: The Filipino Food in the Flavors of ASEAN.”
Stay tuned for more information on this year’s celebration!
