Heritage dishes from the Davao Region will take center stage in this year’s “Buwan ng Kalutong Filipino” at the Abreeza Mall from April 19 to 21 in this city.

The yearly event conducted by the Department of Tourism (DOT), together with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCAA), aims to promote the heritage dishes with the hope that they will be passed on to the next generations.

In a press briefing Tuesday, Chin Fuerte, the event organizer, said the three-day event will provide free food sampling, lectures from DA and DOT, and presentations from NCAA.

“It is a big part of our history and culture. As we all know, we have five provinces. For three days, schools in Region 11 (Davao) will feature dishes from their provinces,” she said.

This year, Fuerte said the dishes presented during the event will have a modern twist.

“Like the conventional ‘adobo,’ we used vinegar; we will add chocolate this time. The usual kinilaw will now be mixed with grilled pork,” she added.

April is declared Filipino Food Month or Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino under Presidential Proclamation No. 469, signed in 2018.

The theme “Kalutong Filipino, Lakas ng Kabataang Makabago” aims to empower the youth to promote Philippine culinary heritage and gastronomy. (PNA)