MANILA — To further promote the vast culinary tradition and treasures of the Philippines, President Rodrigo R. Duterte has signed a proclamation declaring April of every year as “Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino” or “Filipino Food Month.”
Through issuing Proclamation No. 469, signed on April 13, Duterte emphasized that the country’s culinary tradition should be “appreciated, preserved and promoted to ensure their transmission to future generations and to support the various industries, farmers and agri-communities”.
“Now, therefore, I, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws, do hereby declare the whole month of April of every year as “Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino” or “Filipino Food Month,” the proclamation read.
In view of this, Duterte directed the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to lead the celebration.
He also directed all departments, bureaus and agencies of the national government, including government-owned and controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, and local government units and the private sector to participate and assist in the activities of the celebration.
The 1987 Constitution provides that the State shall foster the preservation, enrichment and dynamic evolution of a Filipino national culture based on the principle of unity in diversity in a climate of free artistic and intellectual expression and shall conserve, promote, popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources.
Under the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, culinary tradition is recognized as part of our cultural heritage which may be utilized to highlight a nation’s character and foster national pride and sense of belonging.