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Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino showcases Davao’s rich culinary heritage

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DAVAO CITY (PIA) -- The yearly celebration of “Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino,” or Filipino Food Month, once again brought into the limelight the Davao region’s rich culinary heritage and as home to world-class chocolate, mouth-watering fruits like pomelo, mangosteen, and durian, and savory local cuisines.

Exhibitors, chefs, and artisans from across the region showcased various traditional cuisines and heritage dishes during the three-day fete at the Ayala Malls Abreeza, Davao City from April 19 to 21.

The 5th “Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino” celebration was led by the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Agriculture (DA), and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

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Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, who graced the event, shared the importance of the event in promoting the Philippines as a culinary destination.

“The Department of Tourism has been most active in giving its support, especially as part of our effort to promote the Philippines as a powerhouse in culinary gastronomy tourism,” Valderrosa-Abubakar said.

She hoped that the celebration “may inspire us to ensure these culinary traditions and treasures are passed on to future generations.”

Aside from Davao being a culinary haven, Valderrosa-Abubakar highlighted the region’s great potential to become the halal hub in the country and its neighboring regions.

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Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar shares the importance of the event in promoting the Philippines as a culinary destination. (Photo courtesy of DOT XI)
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She said that Davao City currently positions itself as a “bright star in a halal culinary scene,” posing to entice not only local Muslim travelers but also international Muslim visitors.

She cited the recent openings of various flights connecting the city with its neighboring regions.

“As we open more direct flights between our BIMP EAGA (Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) neighbors, the Muslim majority countries: Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, Davao holds a great potential in becoming a halal hub, not only for the Philippines but also with the EIGA and ASEAN regions,” she explained.

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Macario Gonzaga, DA-XI regional director, emphasizes the significant role of the young generation as the future producers of local ingredients. (Photo courtesy of DOT XI)
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In her message, DOT regional director Tanya Rabat-Tan took pride in Davao region’s homegrown produce and products, calling on  local farmers and artisans for deeep artisans.

"We hope this celebration deepens our appreciation for our homegrown produce and products, as well as our gratitude to our local farmers and artisans. May it inspire us to ensure these culinary traditions and treasures are passed on to future generations."

Rabat-Tan particularly raised the importance of promoting heirloom dishes and local cuisines to preserve the culture and empower the communities.

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“Our heirloom dishes and our local cuisines are more than just provisions. They are a reflection of our heritage, our history, culture, and identity,” she said.

DA regional director Macario Gonzaga said that the activity was a great avenue to recognize the farmers and fisherfolk in the region as the producers of local interns used in the heirloom dishes.

Relating to the theme “Kalutong Filipino, Lakas Kabataang Makabago,” Gonzaga emphasized the significant role of the young generation as the future producers of the local ingredients.

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Department of Tourism (DOT) XI, Department of Agriculture (DA) XI, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) spearhead the opening of “Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino,” or Filipino Food Month in Davao region, highlighting the region’s rich culinary heritage. (Photo courtesy of DOT XI)
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“The event is another way of intensifying our common advocacy to mold the young generation to understand the vital roles that they play as the future food producers of this nation,” he said.

As the young generation explored various opportunities for their future, he reminded them to “always remember that a better life starts with healthy foods on your family’s table, thus, invest your time in food.”

April is declared as Filipino Food Month, or Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino, under Presidential Proclamation No. 469, signed in 2018. (RVC/CLC/ASO, PIA XI/SDRB, PIA Intern/Thumbnail photo from DOT XI)

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