Filipino Food Month (FFM) 2026 officially kicked off through a collaboration between the Iloilo City Government, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and SM Markets.
The opening ceremony took place on Monday, April 6, at the Iloilo Terminal Market, with Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas leading the event.
This year’s celebration carries the theme, “Connected by Taste: The Filipino Food in the Flavors of ASEAN,” highlighting the country’s culinary identity within the broader Southeast Asian region.
Treñas was joined during the launch by representatives from the NCCA, as well as officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Tourism (DOT), along with various partners and stakeholders supporting the initiative.
In a Facebook post, Treñas highlighted the significance of the Filipino Food Month celebration and Iloilo City’s role in promoting Filipino cuisine on a broader stage.
“As the first and only UNESCO Creative Cities Network Creative City of Gastronomy in the Philippines, ginapasanyog naton ang (we are promoting) Filipino cuisine while strengthening support for our farmers and fisherfolk kag (and) elevating our culinary heritage on the local, regional, and global stage,” she said.
Treñas extended her gratitude to the NCCA, DA, DOT, and other partners for making this celebration possible.
She also committed to continuing to champion Filipino and Ilonggo flavors as a proud expression of the country’s identity and excellence to the world.
Meanwhile, visitors from various parts of the country have expressed excitement over the city’s newly redeveloped markets.
Among the visitors was Lucy Yoleta from Lucena City, Quezon, who shared her delight after visiting the Iloilo Central Market.
“Nandito kami kasama ko iyong anak ko kasi meron silang conference doon sa Iloilo Convention Center. So nandito kami sa Central Market at nakakatuwa kasi napakaganda ng palengke,” she said.
“Nakapamili kami ng mga dried fish, biscocho, and piaya. So we are happy to see Iloilo City and Mabuhay! Napakaganda!” she added.
“We’ve been waiting for this kasi every year we come here to attend the Dinagyang (Festival) and also our family reunion,” said Patty Gutierrez, who regularly returns to Iloilo City for family events.
“We heard na all the markets in Iloilo they are trying to renovate it. I was really amazed,” she added.
The Iloilo City Government entered into a 25-year lease agreement with SM Prime Holdings, which invested approximately P1.5 billion for the Iloilo Central Market and P2.5 billion for the Iloilo Terminal Market to modernize the facilities, transforming them into clean, safe, and efficient commercial hubs.
The redeveloped markets now house around 2,000 stalls, providing improved facilities for vendors and a more comfortable and organized shopping experience for consumers.
The Iloilo Central Public Market operates from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., while the Terminal Public Market is open from 1:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The market redevelopment aligns with the local government’s “My Heart Beats in Iloilo City” campaign, which aims to showcase the city’s unique heritage and culture while fostering a strong emotional connection between residents and their city.
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