PREPARATIONS for Filipino Food Month 2020 have been “temporarily postponed,” the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and Department of Agriculture announced on March 26.

A statement, published on NCCA’s official Facebook page said: “The intention behind this pronouncement is to help prevent the spread of the virus and ensure the utmost safety of the public. This decision was made after an extensive and careful consideration of the current situation, alongside our commitment to cooperate with the government’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID- 19.”

“We assure all concerned that we will still continue to campaign for the appreciation and preservation of indigenous ingredients. And the Filipino culinary tradition through social media promotion subject, however, current situations, and that event will hopefully be held at a later date when the public safety can be assured,” the statement adds.

In April 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation No. 469 declaring April as National Filipino Food Month. In 2019, the first celebration, which included exhibits, forums, and cooking competitions, was held in various cities nationwide. — Michelle Anne P. Soliman

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