Marcos highlights farmers, fisherfolks on Filipino Food Month

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday honored farmers, fisherfolk, and those part of the food industry for their efforts in ensuring that there is food on every table.

Marcos made the remark during his speech at the national launch of the Filipino Food Month.

“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.

(This month, let us not forget that in each dish, there’s a hand that works hard to bring food to every 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 said the government would exert all efforts to ensure that Filipinos would be given sufficient and affordable food.

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

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

“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.

(Our government will continue to exhaust all measures to ensure that there’s enough and affordable food for Filipinos.)

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.

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 and support the activities of the celebration.

To further strengthen the partnership, a Memorandum of Understanding was executed on September 8, 2021, among the DA, NCCA, DOT, and the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement (PCHM) to spearhead the annual celebration of Filipino Food Month.

The 2025 Filipino Food Month celebration, with the theme “Sarap ng Pagkaing Pilipino: Yaman ng ating Kasaysayan, Kultura at Pagkatao,” will emphasize the significance of culinary traditions as part of the nation’s cultural heritage.

This initiative ensures the country’s culinary treasures’ appreciation, preservation, and promotion while supporting various industries, farmers, and agricultural communities. —VAL, GMA Integrated News