Filipino food month features local food, farmers products in Western Visayas
Posted by: RAFIS DA6 | Posted at: April 20, 2023
The Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas pushes for the consumption, preservation, and promotion of local food and culinary tradition in this year’s Filipino Food Month (FFM) Celebration themed “Pagkaing Sariling Atin, Mahalin at Pagyamanin” back-to-back with the High Value Crops Week in a three-day event from April 11 to 13, at Robinsons Place Iloilo.
As an avenue to level up the consciousness of consumers on the importance of consuming ‘nutritious’ local and indigenous food, the FFM celebration includes the KADIWA Trade Fair and Exhibit, which is being participated by 16 farmers cooperatives and associations across the region, and the conduct of Culinary Olympics and Still Life Painting (Mixed Media) competitions.
According to OIC Regional Technical Director for Operations and Extensions Dominador Marquez, the FFM is backed by the Presidential Proclamation No. 469 series of 2018, which not only underlines the wide availability of local food dishes but also acknowledges the labor and contributions of farmers and fisherfolk who sustain the country’s food security needs.
He also relayed the message of OIC Regional Executive Director Jose Albert Barrogo, who urged for local food patronage. “Let us support our local farmers and be proud of this food, for this symbolizes our identity as an Ilonggo. Introducing this indigenous food and recipes among tourists visiting our local destinations is a good start to sustaining its production. We must love eating these indigenous vegetables and make innovations to develop further and enhance their packaging, shelf-life, and value-addition.”
He also cited the DA’s interventions to high value crop farmers, particularly the recent turnover of agricultural projects to Leon, Iloilo farmers groups such as greenhouses and production inputs.
On top of the culinary and art contests to be conducted, the DA also offers free lectures on urban gardening, cacao production, coffee production, and communal gardening as part of the High Value Crops Week celebration that centers on the theme “Green Revolution: Road Towards Exportation.” The department commemorates the 27th anniversary of implementing Republic Act No. 7900 or the High Value Crops Development Act of 1995.###Sheila Mae H. Toreno/DA-RAFIS 6
