Team DailyPedia
The Iloilo City Government, in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and SM Markets, has officially launched the Filipino Food Month (FFM) 2026 celebration, reinforcing the city’s position as a key hub for Filipino gastronomy.
Carrying the theme “Connected by Taste: The Filipino Food in the Flavors of ASEAN,” the celebration opened on April 6 at the Iloilo Terminal Market, led by Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas.
Treñas was joined by representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Tourism (DOT), and other stakeholders.
In a Facebook post, the mayor underscored the importance of the celebration and Iloilo’s growing influence in the culinary scene.
“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 also expressed gratitude to partner agencies and reaffirmed her commitment to promoting Filipino and Ilonggo cuisine as part of the country’s cultural identity.
The celebration also coincides with the continued modernization of Iloilo’s public markets, which has drawn praise from visitors.
Lucy Yoleta of Lucena City shared her positive experience 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.
Another visitor, Patty Gutierrez, also expressed excitement over the improvements.
“We’ve been waiting for this kasi every year we come here to attend the Dinagyang (Festival) and also our family reunion,” she said.
“We heard na all the markets in Iloilo they are trying to renovate it. I was really amazed,” she added.
The redevelopment of the city’s major markets was made possible through a 25-year lease agreement with SM Prime Holdings, which invested around P1.5 billion for the Iloilo Central Market and P2.5 billion for the Iloilo Terminal Market.
The upgraded facilities now feature approximately 2,000 stalls, offering improved working conditions for vendors and a more organized and comfortable 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 initiative aligns with the city government’s “My Heart Beats in Iloilo City” campaign, which aims to highlight Iloilo’s cultural heritage while fostering a deeper connection between residents and their community.
With the Filipino Food Month celebration underway, Iloilo City continues to position itself as a leading destination for culinary tourism in the Philippines and beyond.
