Marcos honors food industry workers at Food Month launch

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Thursday paid tribute to farmers, fisherfolk, and food industry members for their dedication to ensuring that food reaches every table.

Presidential Proclamation No. 469 declares April of every year as “Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino” or “Filipino Food Month” (FFM), mandating the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to lead the celebration.

“Sa buwan na ito, huwag din po nating kalimutan na sa bawat na masarap na putahe ay may mga kamay na nagtitiyaga upang tayo ay may maihain sa ating mga mesa." Marcos said during his speech at the national launch of the Filipino Food Month.

(This month, let us not forget that for each delicious dish, there are hands that worked hard to bring that food to the table.)

“Sila ang ating mga magsasaka, ang ating mga mangingisda, ang ating manggagawa sa industriya ng pagkain. Maging ang ating paboritong kusinero sa karinderya ay ating purihin at pasalamatan,” he added. 

(They are our farmers, fishermen, and those part of the food industry, including those who cook in eateries. Let us praise and thank them)

Marcos emphasized that farmers, fisherfolk, and all those involved in the food industry deserve our gratitude for providing the food on our tables.

“Ang bawat ulam na kanilang hinahanda ay may katumbas na sipag at tiyaga,” he said. 

(Every viand is being prepared with hard work and perseverance)

Marcos added the government will continue to exhaust all measures to ensure that there’s enough and affordable food for Filipinos. 

“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.

(That’s why the government continues to take steps to ensure there is enough affordable food for every Filipino.)

All government departments, bureaus, agencies, government-owned or controlled corporations, state universities and colleges, local government units, and the private sector are encouraged to participate in and support the activities of the celebration.

To enhance the partnership, the DA, NCCA, DOT, and the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement (PCHM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 8 September 2021, to lead the annual celebration of Filipino Food Month.

The theme for this year's 2025 Filipino Food Month celebration, Sarap ng Pagkaing Pilipino: Yaman ng ating Kasaysayan, Kultura at Pagkatao, will highlight the importance of culinary traditions as a key element of the nation's cultural heritage.

This initiative aims to promote, preserve, and appreciate the country’s culinary treasures, while also supporting various industries, farmers, and agricultural communities.