TO CELEBRATE the Filipino Food Month or Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino, the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Davao, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), launched the four-day food and products promotional event at the Abreeza Mall. It runs until today, April 30, only.
Present at the opening ceremony were DA Undersecretary Emily Padilla, DA Regional Technical Director Marila L. Corpuz, DOT Regional Director Tanya Virginia Rabat-Tan and Committee Chair on Agriculture and Food, Davao City Councilor Ralph Abella.
“Today until the weekend, expect this space (Abreeza Mall Activity Center) to be filled with sets of unique and delectable fares, and whiffs of savory delights as we all celebrate the Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino. For four days, we will showcase and honor our vast culinary traditions and treasures, with Davao Region, being a melting pot of indigenous and Muslim cultures,” Rabat-Tan said.
It was in April 2018 when President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation 469 declaring the month of April of every year as “Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino” or “Filipino Food Month.” Culinary tradition is recognized as part of our cultural heritage (National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009) and Proclamation No. 469 states that “our vast culinary tradition and treasures should be appreciated, preserved, and promoted to ensure their transmission to future generations and to support the various industries, farmers, and agri -communities which benefit therefrom.”
On behalf of acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, Abella delivered his message: “Davao City takes pride in its agricultural products and the role of local farmers in ensuring food security in the region. The Local Government's unceasing efforts to sustain the agri-fishery industry help meet the food demands of consumers while supporting the continued growth of the local economy. The City Government remains committed to pushing for more programs advancing the agriculture sector of the city. We are confident that through our collective efforts and partnerships, we can continue to uplift the food industry for the benefit of every Dabawenyo across the region.”
Meanwhile, Tan said: “We will not only be sampling different treats but also learn to appreciate the people who made them. In this way, we are able to preserve and promote these tangible legacies that for years continue to support various industries, our farmers and fisher folks, and other agri-communities.”
On the opening day, guests witnessed how Tomate Cerise, Co. prepared Organic Salad using edible flowers as ingredients, and how the Bagobo Tagabawa tribe cooked Nilutlot na Manok and Ludang, both coconut milk-based dishes.
The next day, Thursday, Lyceum of the Philippines and Malagos Garden Resort demonstrated how to whip up the Lyurot, a Mansaka way of cooking with bamboo, and Malagos Pork Humba with Malagos chocolate as an ingredient, respectively.
Friday on the demo table, Balutakay Coffee Farmers’ Association showed coffee brewing using homegrown coffee beans and a guest chef whipped up Davao Kinilaw.
Expect more exciting cooking demonstrations today with Davao del Sur, Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental showing easy to prepare local delicacies.
“With this celebration, we also endeavor to ensure the transmission of these skills and production of these unique commodities to the next generation,” Tan added.