The Department of Agriculture-Central Visayas (DA7) officially launched the Filipino Food Month (FFM) and High-Value Crops Development (HVCD) Week today, April 7, 2025, held at the DA7 Complex in Mandaue City.
The two celebrations are anchored on Presidential Proclamation No. 469, issued in 2018, which declares April as Filipino Food Month, while the HVCD Week is in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the High Value Commercial Crops Development Act of
1995 or Republic Act 7900.
The FFM seeks to recognize and preserve the country’s rich culinary heritage, and to honor the farmers and fisherfolk behind every Filipino dish with this year’s theme “Sarap ng Pagkaing Pilipino, Yaman ng Ating Kasaysayan, Kultura at Pagkatao.” The HVCD Week is celebrated from April 7-11, 2025 in support to the promotion of high-value crop production, processing, marketing, and distribution anchored on the theme “Pagkaing Sapat, Masustansya Dapat.”
Dr. Wilberto O. Castillo, DA7 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, emphasized the importance of the celebrations, as he said “these activities bring together our love for food and our commitment to sustainable agriculture. We Filipinos don’t just eat to live—we live to eat. From a simple bowl of lugaw, pansit, or ginamos with banana, to the iconic halo-halo, every bite carries identity, joy, and comfort”, he said.
Dr. Castillo shared a conversation with farmers, showing their resilience despite the challenges in farming saying “Kahit mahirap, basta may itinanim, may aanihin, may kakainin, at may pag-asa. Agriculture is not just a job—it’s a calling, a way of life, and a source of hope.”
Engr. Cirilo N. Namoc, DA7 Regional Technical Director for Operations, expressed gratitude to the farmers. “We want to recognize the men and women in the field—our farmers—who provide food for our tables,” he said.
RTD Namoc reflected on his experience abroad, sharing how Filipinos overseas often gather on weekends to enjoy home-cooked Filipino meals, keeping their heritage alive.
He stressed the importance of supporting the local food vendors and farmers. “Kung walay mamalit, dili modugay ilang negosyo,” he said.
“Support Filipino food, support local products and farmers. If we don’t buy their products, they won’t be encouraged to continue. Let’s eat local and be proud of our food,” RTD Namoc added.
Regional Executive Director Angel C. Enriquez highlighted the country’s agricultural pride, which are banana, mango, and pineapple.
She noted the popularity of Philippine products internationally and the challenges that the industry is facing.
“The Philippine mango has a unique sweet-sour taste compared to other mangoes from other countries, while our pineapple is globally admired, yet many Filipinos can’t afford. This is something we must address”, said Director Enriquez.
“This month, let’s appreciate Filipino ingredients that grow naturally in our native land. We are rich in resources, and what is lacking is something we must reflect on,” said Director Enriquez.
Activities during the launching included trivia about three iconic Filipino fruits and snacks, and a segment called “I Believe,” where participants described Filipino foods and discussed their cultural significance.