In celebration of Filipino Food Month, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 5 (DA RFO 5), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), successfully conducted the Filipino Food Month Fair as part of the culminating activity held at the DA RFO 5 grounds in front of the AMAD building in Pili, Camarines Sur on April 30, 2025.
The fair showcased the richness and diversity of Bicol’s local agri-based products, featuring 15 exhibitors—12 farmer associations and cooperatives and 3 individual food entrepreneurs. Participating group exhibitors included the Pili Vegetable Growers Association, Sto. Niño Pili Vegetable Growers Association, Curry Vegetable Growers Association, Gatbo Vegetable Growers Association, Planza High Value Crop Planters Association, Goa Agri-Producers and Processors Association, The Agri-Planters and Food Processors Association of Tigaon, Pecuaria Development Cooperative, San Atonio Farmers Association, Puting Sapa Vegetable Growers Association, Esperanza Farmers Association, and San Roque Natural Farming Association. Meanwhile, the individual exhibitors featured MA Haya Dried Fish & Flavored Tinapa, Emmaren’s Sweet Delights, and Pastries by Sweet Agnes.
The activity was graced by the presence of key officials from DA RFO 5, including Engr. Jerry Eboña, Chief of the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division and concurrently cross posted as Regional Executive Director; Engr. Louisito Baltazar, OIC Chief of AMAD and concurrently cross posted as Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations; Dr. Mary Grace D.P. Rodrigues, OIC Regional Technical Director for Operations and concurrently cross posted as Chief of the Operations Division; and Ms. Lovella P. Guarin, Chief of the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section and concurrently cross posted as Chief of the Agribusiness Marketing Division.
Engr. Eboña, in his message pointed out five key reasons why Filipino Food Month is a vital national celebration. First, it aims to preserve the country’s culinary heritage, passing on traditional food knowledge to future generations. Second, it serves as a platform for celebrating Filipino identity and culture, as food reflects the values, history, and diversity of the Filipino people. Third, it underscores the importance of supporting local farmers and producers, whose hard work and innovation fuel the agri-food value chain. Fourth, it opens doors for promoting culinary tourism, which boosts rural economies and highlights regional delicacies. And fifth, it encourages culinary innovation, inspiring entrepreneurs and chefs to adapt and evolve Filipino cuisine for modern markets.
In her message, Ms. Guarin emphasized the vital role of food beyond nourishment. Quoting Virginia Woolf, she shared, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” She noted that food plays a central role in people’s emotional lives. “All of us have turned to food at one time —for comfort, to help us cope with stressful experiences, to manage our emotions, and to satisfy our cravings. Indeed, food is the biggest pleasure aid for human beings. And most of the celebrations in the country are centered around good food.”
The Filipino Food Month Fair served as a meaningful platform to celebrate Filipino culinary heritage, support local producers and food entrepreneurs, and promote regional agri-food innovation. It also reaffirmed the Department of Agriculture’s commitment to enhancing food culture and strengthening the agri-business sector across the Bicol Region. (by: Vincent Emil A. Pasumbal)
(Photo credit: DA RAFIS-5)