Decolonizing Diets: Reclaiming Indigenous Plant-Based Traditions in the Philippines
Veganism is often regarded as a contemporary lifestyle choice influenced by ethical, environmental, and health considerations. However, Indigenous cultures worldwide, including in the Philippines, have long embraced plant-based diets as a fundamental part of their ancestral traditions. "Decolonizing diets" refers to the process of reviving these traditional foodways, removing colonial influences, and reclaiming the intrinsic connection between food, land, and culture.
The Impact of Colonization on Indigenous Diets in the Philippines
Prior to colonization, Indigenous Filipino communities thrived on diverse, plant-centered diets that included a variety of nutrient-dense foods. Root crops such as camote (sweet potato), gabi (taro), and ube (purple yam) were dietary staples, alongside grains like rice and adlai. Native vegetables, including malunggay (moringa), alugbati (Malabar spinach), and ampalaya (bitter melon), were commonly consumed, as were tropical fruits like bananas, mangoes, and coconuts.
The introduction of Spanish and American influences drastically altered traditional food systems. The Spanish incorporated meat, dairy, and processed wheat into the Filipino diet, while American colonization ushered in canned goods, processed foods, and the proliferation of fast food culture. These dietary changes led to an increased dependence on non-traditional, less nutritious food sources and a rise in diet-related health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
Reviving Indigenous Filipino Food ways
Decolonizing diets in the Philippines entails restoring traditional plant-based foods, reconnecting with Indigenous agricultural and foraging practices, and resisting the colonial food systems that have contributed to modern health disparities. This movement is gaining momentum as Filipino food historians, chefs, and community advocates champion the revitalization of ancestral food traditions.
Key Elements of a Decolonized Indigenous Filipino Diet
Prioritizing traditional, plant-based foods such as root crops, native vegetables, tropical fruits, and heirloom rice
Reducing or eliminating processed and refined foods introduced through colonization
Supporting local food sovereignty efforts and Indigenous farming initiatives
Learning about traditional cooking techniques, fermentation, and food preservation methods
Indigenous Filipino Vegan Recipes
Reclaiming Indigenous food traditions goes beyond eliminating animal products—it involves embracing the wisdom of ancestral knowledge. Below are a few traditional Filipino plant-based recipes:
Laing (Taro Leaves in Coconut Milk) – A rich and flavorful dish made from dried taro leaves simmered in coconut milk, ginger, and chili.
Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw – A comforting and hearty dish featuring squash and long beans cooked in coconut milk.
Pako Salad (Fiddlehead Fern Salad) – A refreshing salad composed of foraged fiddlehead ferns, tomatoes, and onions, topped with a calamansi dressing.
Lugaw (Rice Porridge) – A simple and nourishing dish made with heirloom rice, seasoned with ginger and turmeric.
The Future of Decolonized Diets in the Philippines
Decolonizing diets extends beyond dietary choices—it is a means of reclaiming cultural identity, promoting better health, and strengthening the connection to the land. By embracing Indigenous plant-based traditions, Filipinos can counteract the lingering effects of colonization while fostering sustainability and well-being.
Whether Indigenous or not, individuals can learn from these rich food traditions and contribute to local food sovereignty efforts. Returning to plant-based Indigenous diets offers a holistic approach to healing—not just for individuals but for entire communities and ecosystems. Through food, we honor the resilience of Indigenous Filipinos while nourishing both body and spirit.
Photo: Generated by Gencraft
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