Iloilo City Hosts Children's Culinary Learning Event for Filipino Food Month
The vibrant city of Iloilo recently came alive with the sounds of laughter and learning as children gathered for a special event celebrating Filipino cuisine. On April 10, 2026, the Sarap Saya: Learning, Tasting, and Loving Filipino Food activity took place at the Barangay Monica Gym in City Proper, Iloilo City. This engaging initiative saw young participants immersed in storytelling sessions and interactive games, all designed to foster a deeper connection with local and national food traditions.
Strengthening Appreciation for Filipino and Ilonggo Cuisine
The primary goal of this event was to strengthen children's appreciation for Filipino food by encouraging them to learn, explore, and embrace both Ilonggo and broader Filipino culinary heritage. Through hands-on activities, organizers aimed to instill a sense of pride and curiosity about traditional dishes and cooking methods. This approach not only educates the youth but also ensures the preservation of cultural food practices for future generations.
Part of the 8th Filipino Food Month Celebration
This children's activity was a key component of the 8th Filipino Food Month celebration, which carries the theme “Connected by Taste: Filipino Food in the Flavors of Asean.” The theme highlights the interconnectedness of Filipino cuisine with other Southeast Asian flavors, promoting cultural exchange and regional culinary dialogue. By focusing on ASEAN connections, the event underscores the rich diversity and shared heritage within the region's food landscape.
Distinguished Guests and Collaborative Efforts
The event was graced by several notable figures, including Chef Sao Sopheak from Cambodia, who brought an international perspective to the celebration. Also present were Leny Ledesma, the focal person of Iloilo City’s Unesco Creative Cities Network; MICE Iloilo City director Lea Lara; and Barangay Monica Captain Taz Espinosa. Their participation emphasized the community-wide support for promoting culinary arts and cultural education.
The success of the Filipino Food Month celebration in Iloilo City was made possible through a collaborative effort involving multiple organizations. Key partners included the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Unesco National Commission of the Philippines, the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement, the Department of Tourism Western Visayas, the Department of Agriculture Western Visayas, and the Iloilo City Government through the Iloilo City MICE Center. This partnership showcases a unified commitment to celebrating and preserving Filipino food culture through educational and engaging events like Sarap Saya.
