Among the top performers is Calix Ho, a BS Home Economics student, who captured the Men’s Epee Individual Gold Medal and was named Rookie of the Year, marking an impressive debut season.

Also delivering a gold medal performance is Marina Carbonell, a BS Home Economics student, who secured the Women’s Foil Individual Gold Medal.

Meanwhile, Mariel Flores, a BS Family Life and Child Development student, earned the Women’s Foil Individual Silver Medal, showcasing determination and competitive excellence.

Beyond individual accolades, the UP Fencing Team achieved notable success in the team categories. The Women’s Foil Team clinched the Gold Medal, while the Men’s Epee Team secured the Silver Medal.

In the overall standings, the Women’s Fencing Team finished as First Runner-Up, and the Men’s Fencing Team placed Second Runner-Up, underscoring the team’s strong performance throughout the tournament.

These accomplishments highlight the dedication, discipline, and excellence of UP student-athletes, bringing pride and honor to the College of Home Economics and the University. The CHE community celebrates their success and commends them for exemplifying the true spirit of the UP Fighting Maroons.

The College of Home Economics (CHE) took part in the UP Diliman Lantern Parade on December 17, 2025, presenting a lantern design that reflected the College’s enduring commitment to family, resilience, accountability, and collective action. Headed by the Department of Family Life and Child Development (DFLCD), CHE’s Lantern Parade entry for the year carried the theme “Kaisang Tahanan, Kaisa ng Bayan.”

At the center of the lantern design was the tahanan, a powerful symbol of the Filipino family and community. The house represented home as a place of rest, care, and unity—reminding viewers that even amid challenges, there is a space where people can gather strength, find peace, and move forward together. Surrounding the home were towering waves, symbolizing the many trials faced by Filipino families, including social unrest, calamities, and systemic challenges. Despite these forces, the house remained standing, underscoring resilience rooted in unity.

Photo from the official Facebook page of DZUP.

Light emanating from the home symbolized hope, serving as a reminder that even in the strongest storms, there is a source of strength to return to. The inclusion of higantes in the design represented the aspirations and resilience of the community, conveying the idea that people are ultimately greater than the problems they face. Words inscribed on the waves and the higantes expressed the CHE community’s shared commitments toward accountability, justice, and collective responsibility.

The lantern design was inspired by the concept of “Abe-abe” or “Kaisa,” emphasizing faith in one another, the strengthening of collective voices, and the pursuit of inclusivity within communities. Unity, as reflected in the design, was not portrayed as a passive sentiment but as an active practice—demonstrated through shared action, care, and perseverance.

Beyond its symbolism, the CHE Lantern Parade entry was the result of strong community collaboration. DFLCD served as the lead department, with contributions from students, faculty, staff, and partner units across CHE. The collective participation in the design, construction, and parade itself reflected the very values of unity and shared purpose that the lantern sought to communicate.

Led by DFLCD, the CHE lantern was recognized for its compelling visual narrative and strong symbolism, earning 5th place in the UP Diliman Lantern Parade 2025. The recognition affirmed the collaborative efforts of the CHE community in translating its values into a meaningful cultural expression.

Through its 2025 Lantern Parade entry, CHE presented more than a festive display—it offered a visual story of the Filipino family as a foundation of strength, hope, and collective resilience.

Kaisang tahanan, kaisa ng bayan.

The event featured a student cooking competition that highlighted innovative dishes using local root crops—ingredients that reflect the strength and adaptability of Filipino food culture. With its theme of resilience, the program celebrated how crops like kamote, gabi, ube, and cassava have nourished communities across generations while continuing to inspire modern culinary creations.

Inspiring Voices and Culinary Expertise

The competition was enriched by the presence of invited speakers and judges who shared their insights and experiences with the students and audience.

• Dr. Catherine Sarah Young, artist, environmentalist, and cultural advocate, shared her personal journey and reminded students of the interconnectedness of food, environment, and identity.

• An Inspirational Message from Chef Claude Tayag, celebrated chef, artist, and champion of Filipino cuisine, underscored the importance of rooting culinary innovation in cultural pride and sustainability.

• The program concluded with Closing Remarks from Dean Shirley V. Guevarra, PhD, who emphasized the College’s mission of nurturing graduates who are not only technically skilled but also deeply committed to advancing Filipino culture through food.

A Celebration of Talent and Heritage

Throughout the cooking proper, CHE student contestants showcased both creativity and technique, presenting dishes that fused tradition with innovation. Each plate reflected a narrative of resilience—transforming humble root crops into dishes that carried with them stories of community, sustainability, and national identity.

Rooted Resilience was presented by the UP Department of Food Science and Nutrition and the UP Department of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management, in collaboration with OICA. The event affirmed CHE’s role as a hub for creativity, culture, and culinary excellence.

As the competition concluded, Rooted Resilience stood not only as a showcase of young talent but also as a powerful reminder: the future of Filipino food is both innovative and deeply grounded in heritage.

Padayon, mga Iskolar ng Bayan!

Nanay Lita Ramos-Libunao and Dean Shirley V. Guevarra during the launch of the book Pabalat at the CHE 64th Anniversary.

The celebration opened with a pambungad na programa and flag ceremony at the CHE Lobby, accompanied by festive rhythms from the UP IS Drums and UP Pep Drummers. The morning program also featured the highly anticipated book launch of “Pabalat” by Dean Shirley V. Guevarra and “The Adobo Book, Volume 2” by Chef Claude Tayag, drawing both culinary enthusiasts and cultural advocates.

Chef Claude Tayag engaging the CHE community with his stories and insights at the 64th Anniversary celebration.

Adding to the excitement was the launch of the Department Booth Wars and the Collaborative Art Wall: “Pader ng Pagyabong,” where departments showcased interactive exhibits, games, food stalls, and creative displays that engaged the entire CHE community. The art wall, meanwhile, encouraged contributions throughout the day as a collective expression of growth and unity.

At midday, the community gathered for a tanghalian featuring Filipino delicacies with acoustic OPM music that fostered camaraderie among participants.

The highlight of the afternoon was the lively Lip Sync Battle: Inter-department Edition, hosted by Asst. Prof. Daniel Lucas and his co-emcee. Departments brought their best choreography, costumes, and showmanship to the stage, delivering performances that had the audience cheering from start to finish.

The day concluded with the announcement of winners for both the Booth Wars and the Lip Sync Battle. The event was made possible through the support of generous sponsors: Belview, Inc., Linas International Book Resources Incorporated, GoTyme Bank, and Emperador Inc., who donated prizes for the competitions.

The 64th CHE Anniversary successfully showcased the creativity and dynamic spirit of the College of Home Economics community, reminding everyone of its enduring legacy of excellence and collaboration.

CHE faculty and students join a lightning rally in solidarity with the University community. (Photo from the CHE Student Council Facebook Page)

The College of Home Economics (CHE) held its Araw ng Pagkilala 2025 on July 5 at the historic Cine Adarna, UP Film Center, celebrating the achievements of the graduating Class of 2025. With the theme “Handog-Dunong: A Celebration of Honor, Excellence, and Service,” the ceremony served as both a recognition of academic success and a tribute to resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges.

This year, 212 graduates were honored—192 from the undergraduate level and 20 from master’s and doctoral programs. More than a milestone, the occasion highlighted the strength of a generation that persevered through the pandemic and emerged prepared to contribute to both family and nation.

Celebrating Milestones, Embracing Responsibilities

The program emphasized that graduation is more than a personal achievement. It is also a collective triumph that underscores the responsibility carried by every Iskolar ng Bayan—to extend their knowledge, compassion, and service to others.

Inspiring Words from the Guest of Honor

A highlight of the event was the address of GM Anna Liza A. Vergara, a proud CHE alumna and the first Filipina General Manager of an international branded hotel chain. Vergara inspired the graduates with her reflections on leadership, perseverance, and purpose, reminding them that the sablay they wear is not merely a symbol of success but a pledge of service.

She urged the graduates to hold fast to the values instilled by the University and to bring these forward in their chosen fields, wherever their journeys may take them.

Looking Ahead

The recognition rites became a celebration of possibilities—sending off a new generation of leaders, educators, professionals, and advocates who will carry with them the ideals of honor and excellence in service of the Filipino people.

The CHE Class of 2025 stands as a beacon of hope and dedication, ready to face the challenges ahead with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the nation.

Congratulations, graduates! The future you carry is a gift of knowledge for the world.

Carla Berino, Sarah Robielos, and Micah Banatao, all former thesis advisees of Dr. Maria Fema S. Aquino from UPD’s CHE, triumphed with their groundbreaking research titled “Diet Diversity and Micronutrient Adequacy of Preschool Children among Transnational Families in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.” Their victory highlights the university’s commitment to addressing critical issues in public health and nutrition.

The achievement was not only a testament to the students’ dedication and hard work but also recognized the invaluable role of academic mentorship and institutional support. Dr. Aquino’s guidance and expertise were clearly instrumental in this remarkable journey of success, underscoring how a dedicated thesis adviser can significantly impact student achievement and the quality of research produced. The team’s win came with a cash prize and plaques for the students, their thesis adviser, and the College of Home Economics UP Diliman, acknowledging the collective effort poured into advancing nutrition research.

This success underscores the vital platform provided by DOST-FNRI for young researchers to showcase their work and contribute to a well-nourished and food-secure Philippines. The UP Diliman community celebrates this remarkable accomplishment, which is expected to inspire more students to engage in impactful research that addresses the nation’s most pressing nutritional challenges.

Featured photo taken from the DOST-FNRI Facebook page.

ESD is an international honor society for hospitality and tourism students, with members from the BS Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management (BS HRIM) program of the College of Home Economics and the BS Tourism Management program of the Asian Institute of Tourism. Membership in ESD is merit-based, open only to students with a general weighted average (GWA) of 1.75 or better, reflecting both academic excellence and commitment to leadership in the industry.

As part of their shared advocacy for health and wellness, ESD and GAD led the CHE community in a dynamic workout session set to the beat of popular P-Pop (Pinoy Pop) music. The event was not only a celebration of movement and fitness but also a cultural nod to the growing influence of Filipino pop music. The session was filled with laughter, smiles, and energy, creating a lively atmosphere that uplifted spirits across the college.

This activity marked the first official project of the newly inducted ESD officers and members for AY 2024–2025. It fostered camaraderie, encouraged physical activity, and strengthened bonds within the CHE community.

Looking ahead, ESD and GAD are excited to roll out more health and wellness initiatives in the coming months. These efforts affirm the college’s commitment to holistic well-being, recognizing that a healthy body and a happy heart are essential to academic and professional success.

UP na, CHE pa! Padayon sa wellness!

Undergraduate theses from DFSN were recognized and awarded for their excellence in research and innovation in the fields of nutrition and food science.

In the Nutrition and Dietetics Category, the study titled “Nutrition Knowledge, Eating Practices and Maternal Characteristics Among Selected Filipino Female Adults under the Sandwich Generation” by Alyssa Arnaco, Juan Diego Caña, Marc Ishmael Pulido, and Dominique Nicole Ricardo, with adviser Dr. Maria Fema Aquino, was awarded First Place.

In the Food Science and Technology Category, two DFSN theses also stood out:

• First Place: “Detection of Honey Adulteration with C3, C4, and CAM Sugar Syrups using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy” by Jeremiah Abog, advised by Dr. Ma. Leonora Francisco

• Third Place: “Development of an Analog Meat Product using Philippine-sourced Elkhorn Seamoss (Kappaphycus alvarezii) Protein Concentrate” by Elise Yabut, with adviser Mark Paulo Tolentino

These accolades underscore the commitment of CHE to advancing scientific research that contributes to national development and public well-being.

Mabuhay ang mga kabataan ng agham at teknolohiya! Padayon, mga Iskolar ng Bayan!

The following programs were granted AUN-QA certification:

• Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management (BS HRIM) – DHRIM

• Master of Science in Food Science (MSFS) – DFSN

This prestigious recognition is a strong affirmation of the departments’ commitment to academic excellence, quality assurance, and continuous improvement in higher education.

A special commendation goes to the Master of Science in Food Science (MSFS) program, which has made history as the first graduate program in UP Diliman to undergo and successfully earn AUN-QA certification. This milestone marks a significant achievement not only for DFSN but also for the entire university.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all faculty members, administrative staff, students, and stakeholders who contributed to this accomplishment. Your dedication and collaborative efforts have elevated the College’s academic standing and have set a benchmark for quality education in the ASEAN region.

Let us continue to uphold our culture of excellence as we move forward in pursuit of even greater academic and institutional milestones.

UP na, CHE pa! Padayon!

The awarding ceremony was held last February 22, 2024, where the team proudly brought home the top prize, showcasing not only their academic excellence but also their passion for nutrition and community health.

The College of Home Economics (CHE) celebrates this remarkable achievement with immense pride. Your hard work and dedication are truly inspiring!

Your CHE family is proud of you! UP na, CHE pa!
Padayon!