MANILA, Philippines — The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has highlighted how food connects countries across Southeast Asia for the celebration of Filipino Food Month (FFM) in April. During a press conference in Manila, NCCA Chairman and Executive Director Dr. Eric Zerrudo explained how centuries of trade within the region shaped the country’s cuisine. “Within the vibrant tapestry of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, the Philippines stands as both a contributor and a beneficiary of a shared culinary heritage,” Zerrudo said. He added that this year’s celebration is aligned with the country’s chairmanship of the ASEAN 2026, highlighting the country’s role in cultural diplomacy through food. “Many of our culinary traditions rooted in food, this affair that we hold in common with ASEAN communities, that food is life, memory, and belonging,” said Zerrudo.