THE Far Eastern University (FEU) will host KainCon from April 15 to 17, 2024, an academic research conference aimed at unifying chefs, gastronomic experts and Filipino farmers in their mission to influence local food cultivation and establish preservation initiatives to revolutionize the Philippine eating landscape.
The research conference is part of the celebration of Filipino Food Month (FFM), which was established under Presidential Proclamation 469, signed on April 13, 2018.
Open to all students, academics, and industry professionals, KainCon welcomes research in different areas of study, such as Philippine gastronomy, food agritourism, culinary heritage, Philippine regional cuisine, and food security and sustainability in line with the theme "All Things Filipino Food: Community, Culture, and Economy."
Felice Prudente Sta. Maria, the pioneer researcher and historian of Philippine colonial food history, and celebrity chef and James Beard awardee Erwan Heussaff will present during the conference.
The FEU Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management, through its MICE Class Section 8, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with PCHM and Slow Food Youth Movement Philippines to host KainCon this year as part of the celebration of FFM. The venue is the FEU Main Auditorium.
Gastronomic launch in culinary capital
The FFM celebrations started with the launch of the monthlong festivity of Filipino cuisine in Mabalacat, Pampanga, on April 5, with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Tourism (DoT) and Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement (PCHM) preparing a set of programs and events for FFM or Buwan ng Kalutong Filipino 2024 with the theme "Kalutong Filipino, Lakas ng Kabataang Makabago."
"Through a flavorful journey, this year's FFM celebration caters to the youth, empowering them as leaders to promote Philippine culinary heritage and gastronomy," NCCA said in a statement, as it chose Pampanga, considered the Culinary Capital of the Philippines, as the kickoff point of the Food Month.
Besides food workshops, demonstrations and trade fairs at the Mabalacat Elementary School with the 22 municipalities and cities of Pampanga, DA Region 3 Kadiwa trucks parked along the church patio of Our Lady of Grace Parish displayed fresh local produce from Central Luzon. A Hapag food exhibit was held at the Tabnuan Mabalacat Cultural Center, followed by a culinary heritage show concert top-billed by the all-female Ppop group Bini.
"Our Filipino cuisine speaks of the richness of our nation. The richness of our land and seas that produce herbs and spices, providing unique flavors and texture in every dish. The richness that sparks the Filipino creativity in the kitchen to prepare dishes that are native to every region in the country," NCCA said.
The event was graced by NCCA Chairman Victorino Manalo, Tourism Undersecretary Shereen Gail Yu-Pamintuan, Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda represented by First District Board Member Krizzanel Garbo, PCHM President Jose Antonio Miguel Melchor, DA Program Director for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Annray Rivera with Sen. Loren Legarda delivering her address through a video message.
'Eatsperience' food fair and more
Other FFM activities include the "Philippine Eatsperience" in Intramuros and Rizal Park, a yearlong food fair showcasing various snacks, viands, street food and other items by local food stakeholders that started on April 3; Hapag ng Pamana Philippine Food Festival on April 13 to 15 in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi; April 22 to 23 in Legazpi, Albay; and April 28 to 30 in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, site of the culminating program of FFM.
With Iloilo City bearing the title of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) City of Gastronomy in the latest Unesco Creative Cities Network (UCCN) 2023, this year's festivities explore food and culture exhibitions in universities throughout the city from April 22 to 30. A three-day celebration in Roxas City, Capiz, from April 18 to 20, also features expositions and trade fairs.
From April 26 to 28, "Ang Sarap: Philippine Food Festival 2024" at SM Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, highlights different cuisines and dishes uniquely available in every region using indigenous ingredients. The festival also assists small farmers, producers, and processors in marketing their products and facilitating trade with buyers.
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