President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. encouraged local and foreign tourists to enjoy “experiential tourism” by sampling diverse delicacies as they explored various country regions.
President Marcos made the pitch during the Filipino Food Month (FFM) or Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino National Kick-Off Celebration in Quezon province on Friday.
Speaking during the event at the Quezon Provincial Capitol Grounds in Lucena City, the President explained how Filipino cuisine has evolved throughout the country’s history.
“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.
The President said of the Filipino Food Month: “Ipinagdiriwang natin ang linamnam ng ating mga putahe at ang lalim ng ating kakayahan bilang isang bayan.”
“Mahalaga ang lahat ng ito sa ating isinusulong na tinatawag na experiential tourism,” he also said.
The President noted that most tourists seek more than just relaxing on the beach; they desire joyful and enriching activities rather than merely sightseeing.
“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 said.
The President stated that tasting regional delicacies is the quickest way to appreciate Filipino culture and discover the culinary skills of Filipinos in creating delicious dishes.
He specifically cited Ilocos region’s “bagnet”, Pampanga’s “sisig”, Cebu’s “lechon”, Quezon’s “pancit habhab,” Bicol region’s “laing”, Lucban’s “longganisa,” and Mindanao’s “piyanggang manok.”
The President shared that he, too, sampled “pancit habhab” before inaugurating the Filipino Food Month.
“At siyempre po, dito naman sa Quezon – natikman po natin kanina ang pancit habhab—pansit na kinakamay at kinakain na diretso mula sa sariwang dahon ng saging. Mas lalo pa sumasarap ito ‘pag nilagyan pa natin ng topping ng ano pa? Longganisang Lucban na may tamang asim at masarap na bawang,” the President said.
“Mga kababayan, sa pamamagitan ng ating mga pagkain, matutuklasan natin ang ating pagka-Pilipino—malikhain, matatag, at may malasakit sa kapwa,” he added.
Presidential Proclamation No. 469 designates every April as FFM to conserve, promote, and popularize Filipino cuisine as a national culinary heritage.
The month-long celebration includes activities like the KAINCON Filipino Food Conference and the AngSarap! Philippine Food Festival and other events. | PND
