President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has urged both local and foreign tourists to embrace “experiential tourism” by immersing themselves in the diverse culinary treasures found across the Philippines.
In his remarks during the Filipino Food Month (FFM) or Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino National Kick-Off Celebration on Friday, held at Quezon Provincial Capitol Grounds in Lucena City, the President highlighted how Filipino cuisine reflects the country’s rich history and culture.
“Sa pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino, ginugunita natin ang ating mga kusina bilang santuwaryo ng ating kasaysayan, ng ating kultura, at pagkatao bilang Pilipino,” he said, underscoring the significance of Filipino kitchens as sanctuaries of cultural identity.
President Marcos emphasized that Filipino Food Month celebrates both the exquisite flavors of Filipino dishes and the depth of the nation’s creativity and culinary expertise. “Mahalaga ang lahat ng ito sa ating isinusulong na tinatawag na experiential tourism,” he explained.
Experiential tourism, according to the President, goes beyond relaxation or sightseeing. It offers enriching activities that provide deeper insight into the essence of Filipino culture. “Napakalaking halaga na ipakilala natin ang pagkaing Pilipino. 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,” he noted, emphasizing how food fosters cultural understanding.
Highlighting culinary delights as gateways to discovering the Filipino spirit, President Marcos enumerated iconic regional dishes, including Ilocos’ bagnet, Pampanga’s sisig, Cebu’s lechon, Quezon’s pancit habhab, Bicol’s laing, Lucban’s longganisa, and Mindanao’s piyanggang manok.
The President also shared his personal experience sampling Quezon province’s signature “pancit habhab” served atop fresh banana leaves and complemented by Lucban’s famous garlicky longganisa. “Mas lalo pa sumasarap ito ‘pag nilagyan pa natin ng topping ng ano pa? Longganisang Lucban na may tamang asim at masarap na bawang,” he said, adding that Filipino cuisine embodies the creativity, resilience, and camaraderie of the Filipino people.
Under Presidential Proclamation No. 469, April is designated as Filipino Food Month to preserve, promote, and celebrate Filipino cuisine as part of the country’s culinary heritage. Events like the KAINCON Filipino Food Conference and AngSarap! Philippine Food Festival are among the highlights of the month-long celebration, aimed at showcasing the richness of Filipino flavors
