On 26 May 2026, the College of Home Economics (CHE) community—comprising faculty, students, staff, alumni, and stakeholders—gathered at the Museum Building for the CHE General Assembly. The event provided an important opportunity to renew the collective commitment to the continued growth of the College and to share with stakeholders the vision and plans for its future.

The assembly was graced by Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, who formally affirmed the appointment of Dr. Joanne R. Bantang as the 15th Dean of the College of Home Economics. Also present were University Registrar Rowena Quinto-Bailon, fellow deans including Dean Carmen Bettina Bulaong, Dean Noel Christian Moratilla, Dean Cynthia Saloma, Dean Ruth Lusterio-Rico, and Director Ringer Manalang. Former CHE deans likewise attended, with former Dean Shirley V. Guevarra delivering a detailed turnover speech to help ease the transition into Dean Bantang’s term.

During the program, Dean Bantang presented her plans for the College under the guiding slogan “Tao, Bahay, Programa”, which will shape her leadership until February 25, 2029. Her presentation outlined concrete initiatives that inspired optimism among attendees, highlighting the College’s direction in the next three years.

The event also marked the introduction of the new College Executive Board (CEB). A notable development was the creation of a new position, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, entrusted to Dr. Consuelo T. Chua.

The CHE General Assembly was both a celebration of continuity and a moment of renewal, affirming the College’s dedication to excellence in education, research, and service.

Dels Tolete

Among the participants, the College of Home Economics (CHE) at UP Diliman stood out for its strong commitment to ensuring the quality and service delivery of its academic programs. Leading the CHE delegation were Prof. Joanne R. Bantang, Dean of the College, and Asst. Prof. Lester John C. Lim, College Quality Assurance Officer. Their presence underscored the College’s proactive role in embedding QA principles into curriculum design, institutional initiatives, and student-centered service delivery.

The CHE delegation was further strengthened by the participation of departmental QA officers, representing the breadth of the College’s academic programs. From the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (DFSN), Assoc. Prof. Rowena Sanchez, Prof. Maria Leonora Francisco, and Asst. Prof. Maria Carmela Taob joined the discussions. The Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management (DHRIM) was represented by Assoc. Prof. Jennifer P. Loverio, Asst. Prof. Rosanne Nicollete M. Eleazar, and Asst. Prof. Raymund Gerard I. Guerrero. Assoc. Prof. Charla Rochella Saamong carried the banner for the Department of Family Life and Child Development (DFLCD), while Assoc. Prof. Aurora S. Llige and Prof. Consuelo T. Chua represented the Department of Home Economics Education (DHEEd). Completing the roster were Asst. Prof. Candy Maristela and Asst. Prof. Johanna Faustino from the Department of Clothing, Textiles, and Interior Design (DCTID).

The active participation of CHE’s faculty in the conference highlighted the College’s collective commitment to harmonized QA practices across its diverse programs. It also reaffirmed CHE’s dedication to service-centered delivery of education, ensuring that its teaching, research, and extension work remain responsive to the needs of students, families, and communities. By engaging in systemwide dialogue, CHE contributes to UP’s collective promise to “do better always,” aligning with the national university’s mission to uphold excellence and relevance in higher education.

As emphasized during the conference, quality assurance is not merely a technical process but an act of care. It is the institution’s way of telling its students, “We take your time seriously, we take your learning seriously, we take your future seriously.” The College of Home Economics embodies this ethos, ensuring that its programs continue to nurture lives, families, and futures through a culture of quality and excellence.

Prepared by: Asst. Prof. Lester John C. Lim

Representing the College of Home Economics in the badminton event, the team of Mr. Adrian Basilio, Asst. Prof. Antonio Palomeno Jr., and Mr. Lito Bengco proudly secured 1st Runner-Up honors.

Meanwhile, the CHE Basketball Team clinched 3rd Place in Bracket B, showcasing teamwork and determination. The roster included administrative staff: Paul de Gracia, Reggie Escanilla, Gale Gayanes, Carlos Oracion Jr., Jomari Sabalas, Mark Barbado, Christian Magaway, Bernard Brosas, Jaypee Balderas, Marte Novales, and Jerald Arcenal, as well as custodial workers and guard Raymond Manlungat, Jetro Bañares, and Dennis Garcia. They were also joined by Maui Dayao from the Chemical Engineering Department and Quezara Orio from the OVCCA, highlighting the collaborative spirit across UP units.

The CHE community looks forward to more events like PASiklaban, continuing to support and celebrate sports initiatives that foster camaraderie, wellness, and unity across the university.

Photos from: UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development

Photos from: Paul de Gracia

The College of Home Economics (CHE) proudly demonstrated its athletic and competitive spirit in the Diliman Games 2026, joining a wide array of sports and e-sports events. Students from different programs—BS HRIM, BS HE, BS CN, BS FT, BS FLCD, BSID, and BS CT—came together as one community, proving that unity across disciplines can lead to remarkable achievements.

In Basketball, the men’s team fought hard and finished as 1^st runner-up, while the women’s team emerged as champions, earning not only the title but also individual honors such as Mythical 5 selections and a Finals MVP award. Volleyball was another highlight, with the men’s team securing a 1^st runner-up finish and the women’s team advancing to the semifinals. The futsal mixed team also impressed with a strong 2nd-place finish.

Traditional games brought further glory to CHE. The mixed Tug-of-War team captured silver, Patintero players also earned silver, and the Agawang Panyo team proudly claimed gold. Other events, such as Badminton, Relay, Chess, and Game of the Generals, saw spirited participation, with CHE securing a silver medal in GOTG.

The college also embraced the growing field of e-sports, fielding teams in Valorant, Mobile Legends, and Call of Duty Mobile. While these teams did not reach the podium, their participation reflected the diverse talents and interests of CHE students.

Through victories, runner-up finishes, and enthusiastic participation, CHE’s presence in the Diliman Games underscored the strength of collaboration across programs. United in one, the students of the College of Home Economics celebrated not only their athletic achievements but also the camaraderie and school pride that define their community.

(Photos: from students/members of teams)

Women’s Volleyball Team

Women’s Basketball Team

Men’s Basketball Team

Men’s Volleyball Team

Popularly known as “Food Trip,” FN 1 is the only GE course offered by the DFSN. It integrates nutrition and food science to develop food literacy, critical thinking, and social responsibility among students from diverse academic disciplines. The course explores food systems, nutrition, food safety, food processing, food labeling, and functional foods, demonstrating how scientific knowledge can inform everyday decisions about food, health, and well-being.

A distinguishing feature of FN 1 is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students engage in food environment surveys, dietary and nutritional assessments, laboratory activities, and reflective exercises that connect scientific concepts to their lived experiences. Through these activities, they gain a deeper understanding of the factors shaping food choices and develop practical skills for healthier and more responsible consumption. By encouraging students to critically evaluate information and recognize their role in addressing food and nutrition challenges, the course extends learning beyond the classroom.

As a GE course, FN 1 exemplifies UP’s commitment to holistic and socially responsive education. By equipping students with lifelong food and nutrition literacy, it empowers them to become informed consumers, critical thinkers, and active contributors to healthier communities.

Prepared by: Asst. Prof. Maria Carmela C. Taob

Kaya Pa Ba? Home Economics for Households Under Pressure
May 25, 2026, 9:00am-12nn via Zoom Webinar

The College of Home Economics, through the Office of Community and Extension Services (OCES), invites the public to the free webinar “Kaya Pa Ba? Home Economics for Households Under Pressure” on May 25, 2026, via Zoom Webinar.

Held as part of the CHE Research, Publication, and Extension Celebration (RPEC) 2026, the webinar will feature practical and timely discussions on smart budgeting, family well-being, food preservation, and energy-saving home strategies amid rising costs, inflation, and fuel and energy challenges.

The webinar is free and open to the public. Interested participants may register through the official registration link posted on the CHE website and social media pages.