TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Eastern Visayas has lined up a series of culinary workshops and food festivals this April in celebration of Filipino Food Month.
With the theme “Sarap ng Pagkaing Pilipino, Yaman ng Ating Kasaysayan, Kultura, at Pagkatao,” this year’s celebration highlights the rich heritage, diversity, and artistry of Filipino cuisine.
From April 4 to 6, a community-based ‘kulinarya’ workshop was held in Tacloban City to equip grassroots culinary talents with skills in food preparation, safety, and presentation—aimed at enhancing the community-based tourism experience.
On April 23, a Halal Culinary Workshop will take place at the Biliran Hall of the Summit Hotel, bringing together food service providers, restaurateurs, and tourism advocates. The event will feature live cooking demonstrations by local chefs and talks from renowned culinary experts, including Chef Jam Melchor, founder of the Slow Food Youth Network, and Chef Tahir Ayunan Malikol, Nestlé Halal Ambassador.
Another community-based culinary workshop focusing on the Secret Kitchens of Samar is scheduled for April 25 to 27 in Paranas, Samar, showcasing the province’s hidden culinary gems and local food heritage.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Visayas Street Food Fest will be held on April 25 to 26 at the Payapay Seafood Park in San Jose District, Tacloban City. The two-day event will spotlight unique and iconic street food from the region’s six provinces.
Filipino Food Month is celebrated every April under Presidential Proclamation No. 469, signed in 2018, following efforts by the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement, the Department of Agriculture, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
