There is perhaps no better place to begin a nationwide celebration of Filipino cuisine than in Iloilo City, the country’s first and only UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
On April 6, Iloilo officially kicked off Filipino Food Month (FFM) 2026 at the Iloilo Terminal Public Market, gathering key partners from government and non-government institutions, food advocates, members of the academe, and culinary enthusiasts from across the country.
Now in its eighth year, the celebration carries the theme “Connected by Taste: The Filipino Food in the Flavors of ASEAN,” highlighting how Filipino cuisine reflects shared histories, regional influences, and cultural connections across Southeast Asia.
Mayor Raisa Treñas welcomed guests during the opening program alongside NCCA Chairperson and Executive Director Eric Zerrudo and UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Secretary General Dr. Ivan Anthony Henares. Representatives from fellow UNESCO Creative Cities in the Philippines—Baguio, Cebu, Quezon, and Dumaguete—also joined the milestone event, reinforcing a unified effort to promote the country’s culinary heritage.
“As the first and only UNESCO Creative Cities Network Creative City of Gastronomy in the Philippines, ginapasanyog naton ang Filipino cuisine while strengthening support for our farmers and fisherfolk kag elevating our culinary heritage on the local, regional, and global stage, anchored on this year’s theme ‘Connected by Taste: The Filipino Food in the Flavors of ASEAN,’” Mayor Treñas emphasized.
A celebration rooted in culture, collaboration, and identity
Led by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the celebration is mounted in partnership with the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement, Department of Tourism Region VI, Department of Agriculture Region VI, and the Iloilo City Government through the Iloilo City M.I.C.E. Center.
More than a showcase of flavors, FFM 2026 aligns with the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship and positions Filipino cuisine as both a cultural asset and a driver of inclusive economic growth. It emphasizes the role of food in strengthening cultural identity, supporting local food systems, and promoting sustainable tourism.
In Iloilo, a month-long lineup of activities reflects this vision—bringing together communities, students, chefs, and home cooks in a shared celebration of heritage and innovation.
Schedule of activities in Iloilo City
The celebration unfolds through a series of events across key venues in the city:
April 6 (Monday)
• 9:00 AM – Opening of Filipino Food Month (SM Iloilo Terminal Market)
• 1:30 PM – Chefs Exchange Program (various universities)
April 7 (Tuesday)
• 9:00 AM – Iloilo Gastronomy Symposium (PHINMA – University of Iloilo)
April 8 (Wednesday)
• 9:00 AM – Ilonggo Creative Nanay Cookoff (SM Central Market)
April 10 (Friday)
• 8:00 AM – Sarap Saya: Tasting, Learning, and Loving Filipino Food (Monica Gym, Brgy. Monica)
April 24 (Friday)
• 3:00 PM – Ilonggo Youth Day (SM City Southpoint)
April 30 (Thursday)
• 3:00 PM – Closing Program (SM City Southpoint)
Iloilo at the heart of Filipino gastronomy
Hosting the national kickoff underscores Iloilo City’s growing influence in shaping the country’s culinary narrative. Known for its rich food traditions and strong community-driven food culture, the city continues to bridge the past and present—preserving heritage while embracing innovation.
As Filipino Food Month 2026 unfolds, Iloilo stands not only as a host city but as a symbol of how food connects people, cultures, and nations.
In every dish served and every story shared, the message is clear: Filipino food is more than sustenance—it is a powerful expression of identity, heritage, and connection.
