By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday emphasized the importance of promoting Filipino native delicacies and cuisines for “experiential tourism” as he led the nationwide kick-off celebration of the 2025 Filipino Food Month at the Quezon Provincial Capitol.
“Mahalaga ang lahat ng ito sa ating isinusulong na tinatawag na experiential tourism. Anong ibig sabihin niyan? Ang nauso ngayon sa pagka-tourist, ayaw naman ng turista na pumunta lang sa ilang lugar, uupo lang sa tabi ng dagat, magbabasa ng libro, walang ginagawa,” Marcos said.
“Ngayon, ang gusto ng mga turista, mayroon silang nakikita, mayroon silang nararanasan na masayang ginagawa. At napakalaking halaga na ipakilala natin ang pagkaing Pilipino,” he added.
Marcos said foreign travelers will understand the culture of the Philippines when they try eating Filipino food in places they visit.
He hoped that tourists would try the famous delicacies and cuisines in the country, including the dinengdeng in Ilocos, sisig in Pampanga, laing in Bicol, and lechon in Cebu.
“Naniniwala po ako sa kasabihan na ang pagkain ay ang pinakamabilis na paraan upang pahalagahan ang ating kultura,” Marcos said.
The national kick-off celebration serves as a launchpad for the Filipino Food Month 2025, setting the direction in highlighting the deep connection between food, culture, and national identity.
The event intends to preserve and promote culinary treasures while supporting various industries, farmers, and agricultural communities.
This year’s theme, “Sarap ng Pagkaing Pilipino: Yaman ng Ating Kasaysayan, Kultura, at Pagkatao,” aims to promote local agricultural products and honor the farmers and fisherfolk who provide the essential ingredients that shape the country’s culinary heritage.
Quezon Province has been selected as this year’s host because of its strong advocacy for local food sustainability and its deep-rooted culinary traditions, particularly its agri-fishery products and coconut-based cuisine.
Exhibit tour
The event also showcased a rich variety of local agricultural and food products from Quezon and nearby regions.
Visitors may try an array of offerings, including processed foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and specialty items like goat’s milk, yogurt, and native delicacies.
Also featured were savory treats such as pancit habhab, lumpiang shanghai, and siomai, as well as unique coconut-based products like buko pie and coco jam.
Turmeric products, calamansi drinks, and locally grown crops such as vegetables, cacao, and soya-based goods were also offered at the exhibit tour.
Gov’t taking steps to lower food prices, boost food production
The Chief Executive also assured the public that the government is exhausting all efforts to lower the prices and increase the production of food commodities.
“Bilang tugon, inilunsad natin ang iba’t ibang programa upang mapababa ang presyo ng pagkain at mapadami ang produksyon nito,” he said.
“Kaya naman ang pamahalaan ay patuloy na gumagawa ng mga hakbang upang masiguro na may sapat at murang pagkain para sa bawat Pilipino,” he added.
Marcos said the government is offering cheaper rice through the Kadiwa ng Pangulo’s (KNP) Rice for All and P29 programs.
He added the implementation of maximum suggested retail price for pork and the allocation of funds for agricultural programs are crucial in making sure that Filipinos would get affordable and nutritious food.
“Sa ganitong paraan, ang mura at dekalidad na pagkaing Pilipino ay magbibigay-lakas sa ating katawan [at] magpapayaman pa sa kultura natin at pagkakakilanlan,” Marcos said.
Marcos also encouraged his fellow Filipinos to preserve the country’s traditions by promoting local cuisines.
The latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed the inflation rate in March 2025 settled at 1.8%, the lowest since June 2020.
Last month’s inflation was lower than the 2.1% logged in February 2025 and 3.7% recorded in March 2024.