DTI launches 5-day National Food Fair

Philippine culinary heritage is at the forefront of the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) 2025 Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair, which opened at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City on Thursday.

In a statement, the DTI said that the food fair features over 250 unique food ventures from several regions and creators nationwide.

With the support of the Tatak Pinoy Strategy Program for 2025, the National Food Fair intends to become a platform that supports Filipino food MSMEs by creating opportunities within the market, and to champion greater sustainability and technology within the industry.

Attendees of the fair will look forward to being greeted with cultural cuisines, new culinary creations, specially-curated food zones, and steps towards sustainability through eco-friendly packaging and cutting-edge food technology.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. participated in the ribbon-cutting during the opening ceremony, then roamed the entire fair with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

“This April, we are celebrating the Filipino food month, an important occasion where we honor valued traditions passed down through generation, reflecting our identity as Filipinos through the food that we prepare and enjoy. Marami na din ang mga dayuhan na humahanga sa kakaibang sarap ng ating mga pagkain. Kaya sana, tayo namang mga Pilipino mismo ay manguna sa pagkikilala sa iba’t-ibang mga putahe na gawa ng lutong Pinoy,” he said.

(Many foreigners have praised the unique flavors of our cuisines. So hopefully Filipinos spearhead the recognition of the different dishes and flavors of Filipino cooking.)  

“This national food fair is more than a gastronomic celebration of our rich and diverse culinary heritage. It is a testament to the incredible talent, ingenuity, industry of our local farmers and artisans who bring pride and honor to our country,” Marcos added.

The fair will also be the venue for the landmark launch of the DTI’s Bagong Pilipinas Marketplace, a B2B e-commerce platform connecting MSMEs with local and international businesses.

“It is an initiative set to become a robust business-to-business e-commerce platform that will highlight the products and services that are proudly Filipino. It marks a significant milestone in the digital transformation of our local industries. The platform will empower MSMEs by providing them with a space where their products can be seen, recognized, and valued by a wider market… Beyond that, it will also focus on sustainability, on product innovation, and the adaption of new technologies in food-processing and manufacturing,” Marcos said.

“With these efforts to strengthen our local industries, we are indeed positioning the Philippines as a prime investment destination. Let this event serve as an open invitation to more potential investors both Filipinos and foreigners alike to take part in the opportunities that Philippine markets offer,” he continued.

The 2025 DTI Bagong Pilipinas Food Fair will be held at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Halls 1, 2, and 3 from April 9 to 13, 2025. — BM, GMA Integrated News