President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led a celebration of Filipino cuisine at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday.

An initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair aims to highlight the strength and creativity of Filipino enterprises in the food sector.

The President, along with his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and son Vincent, officially opened the DTI-Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair (NFF).

Trade Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go showed Marcos around the food fair, which showcased different food products from 250 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across the country.

Awed by local food

In his speech, Marcos expressed awe at the local food products presented at the NFF.

“It is a delight to see and to smell the delectable array of food products that we have here today,” he said.

“The colors are vibrant, and you will be greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of Filipino food — which is truly delicious.),” he added.

Marcos designated April as Filipino Food Month, an occasion to honor valued traditions passed down through generations and reflect the identity of the Filipino through various food selections.

He also noted the impression of foreign individuals who have tasted Filipino dishes in various places in the country.

“Many foreign visitors are also admiring the unique taste of our food. So hopefully we Filipinos ourselves will take the lead in recognizing the various dishes made [and] cooked by Filipinos,” he said.

Gastronomic celebration

More than just a “gastronomic celebration” of the Philippines’ rich and diverse culinary heritage, Marcos said the NFF is a “testament to the incredible talent, ingenuity, and industry of our local farmers and artisans, who bring pride and honor to our country.”

“From homemade jam, hand-crafted cheese, delicious bites, sips [to] well-packaged cocoa bars — each represents the very heart and soul of Filipinos,” he added.

“From the northern highlands of Luzon, the central islands of the Visayas, to the southern seas of Mindanao — we have found the very best of what our people can offer,” the President said.

He expressed his gratitude to the DTI and the Department of Tourism for organizing an event highlighting the food of the Philippines.

The DTI- Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair is open to the public until Sunday, 13 April.