Tuwing sinasabi ang salitang “kainan,” lagi kong naalala ang kuwento ng aking Lola tungkol sa mga anghel sa langit. Sabi niya, mahahaba raw ang kutsara at tinidor ng mga anghel ngunit hindi nila ito ginagamit. Sa halip, ginagamit nila ang mahahabang kutsara upang pakainin ang isa’t isa at hindi magagamit para sa kanilang sariling bibig, walang nagugutom dahil natuto silang mag-abot, mag-alaga, at magbahagi sa kanilang mga kasalo.

Kagaya ng kuwentong ito, makikita ang kahalagahan ng pagsasalo-salo sa hapagkainin kung saan ang pagkain ay hindi lamang simpleng pagtugon sa pisikal na pangangailangan– sa gutom.  Ang pagsasalo-salo sa hapagkainan ay isang pagkakataon upang maipadama sa isa’t isa na hindi tayo nag-iisa sa pamamagitan ng pagbabahagi ng ating mga kuwento. Sa pagtitipon na ito, naipapamalas din natin ang isang magandang bahagi ng kulturang Pilipino – ang likas na pagiging magiliw sa mga bisita. Sa tuwing sama-sama tayong kumakain, hindi lamang natin pinapakain ang ating katawan—pinagyayaman din natin ang ating puso at ugnayan bilang pamilya o komunidad.

Para sa pamilyang Pilipino, likas na bahagi ng ating kultura ang pagsasalo-salo sa bawat okasyon sa ating buhay. Sa hapagkainan, nagkikita-kita ang pamilya, nagkukuwentuhan, nagkukumustahan at nagbabahagi ng mga karanasan. Minsan, dito rin napag-uusapan ang maliliit na problema, masasayang balita, mga plano, at mga pangarap. Ang hapag ay nagiging isang ligtas at bukas na lugar kung saan maaaring magsalita, makinig, at maramdaman na tayo ay nakikita at pinakikinggan.

Ito rin ay isang mahalagang karanasan para sa pag-unlad ng mga bata, kung saan ang mga simpleng kuwentuhan habang kumakain ay pagkakataon din ng pagkatuto—kung paano kumilos sa hapag, makinig, makibahagi sa usapan, gumalang sa kausap at sa pagkain, at maghintay ng kanilang pagkakataong magsalita. Sa bawat sabay-sabay na pagkain, unti-unting nabubuo ang mga pagpapahalaga at kaugaliang dadalhin nila hanggang sa kanilang paglaki.

Ngunit sa panahon ngayon, hindi laging madaling magsama-sama sa hapag. Dahil sa trabaho, pag-aaral, mga responsibilidad, at iba’t ibang pinagkakaabalahan, kung kaya’t ang Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day ay isang paalala na sana ay huwag nating hayaang maging hadlang ang pagiging abala sa pagkakaroon ng panahon para sa pamilya at pagsasalu-salo.  Hindi kailangang maghintay ng espesyal na okasyon. Minsan, sapat nang maglaan ng ilang minuto upang maupo nang magkakasama, magbahagi ng pagkain, magkuwentuhan, at makinig sa isa’t isa.

Sapagkat tulad ng kuwento ng mga anghel, ang hapag-kainan ay nagtuturo sa atin ng isang simpleng aral: mas nagiging makabuluhan ang pagkain kapag sama-sama at  hindi lamang para sa sarili. Sa bawat pagsasalo, natututo tayong magbahagi ng pagkain at ng sarili, maglaan ng panahon, makinig sa mga kuwento, at magmalasakit at mapagtibay ang ating relasyon sa ating pamilya.

Kaya’t sama-sama tayong magsalu-salo ng hapunan sa ating mga tahanan sa darating na Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day sa Setyembre 28, 2026. Higit pa sa isang araw ng pagdiriwang, hangarin nating gawin itong araw-araw ang sabay-sabay na kakain, kasama ang kwentuhan at paglalaan ng oras sa pamilya.

 *AI generated photo

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.

The event brought together administrators, faculty, staff, and students in celebration of CHE’s continued commitment to strengthening its academic infrastructure and providing future-ready learning environments.

The program opened with remarks from Shirley V. Guevarra, who is set to conclude her term as Dean in the coming days. The groundbreaking ceremony served as her final official engagement as Dean—an enduring testament to her leadership and dedication to advancing CHE’s facilities, academic excellence, and student experience.

The ceremony was graced by Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, whose presence underscored the University’s strong support for the College’s growth and development initiatives.

Messages of support were delivered by key University officials and former CHE leaders, including Asst. Prof. AVP Ian Fontanilla (on behalf of PAJ), AVP Mylene Cayetano of Planning and Development, Former Vice Chancellor Florendo, and Former Dean Mayo.

The ceremonial groundbreaking was led by Chancellor Vistan, Dean Guevarra, Dr. Loverio (Chair, Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management), Asst. Prof. Caragay (Chair, Clothing, Textiles and Interior Design), VP Ian Fontanilla, VP Mylene Cayetano, Architect Manalo of the Office of the Campus Architect, Former VC Florendo, and Former Dean Mayo.

Once completed, the new facility will serve as a dynamic learning hub for HRIM and Interior Design students. It will feature modern laboratories and studio spaces designed to support experiential learning, strengthen industry alignment, and enhance research capabilities.

With this development, CHE not only begins the construction of a new building but also reinforces its vision of shaping innovative, industry-ready graduates and advancing the future of home economics education.

The document was signed by Dean  Shirley V. Guevarra, PFT, PhD., signifying the College’s continued commitment to upgrading its facilities and enhancing the learning and working environment for the CHE community.

The signing was witnessed by CHE personnel, including Architect Jett Renzo Ogana of the Building Maintenance Section, Ma. Cristina Broncano, Personnel Services Section Head, and Marie Noelle Lumbre, Administrative Assistant from the Dean’s Office.

The renovation of Alonso Hall forms part of CHE’s broader initiative to modernize its facilities in support of academic excellence, functionality, and student-centered spaces. Once completed, the upgraded building is expected to better serve the evolving needs of students, faculty, and staff.

This development reflects CHE’s ongoing efforts to invest in future-ready infrastructure, reinforcing its commitment to providing quality education and a conducive learning environment.

Through detailed research and visual documentation, Dr. Guevarra captures the cultural significance and delicate craftsmanship of this unique folk art from San Miguel, Bulacan. The book not only honors local artisans but also reinforces the importance of preserving Filipino intangible heritage.

Featured photo taken from the DHRIM website. For more updates, visit: https://www.dhrim.che.upd.edu.ph

Beyond her culinary ventures, Chef Golda is a dedicated mentor, playing a pivotal role in the success of her students. As one of the coaches of Team UP Diliman from DHRIM, she was instrumental in their Gold Medal victory at the 2024 Manila Foods and Beverages Expo (MAFBEX) Food Truck Competition. Her guidance and expertise helped the team showcase the best of Filipino culinary artistry, further cementing her reputation as a leader in both the kitchen and the classroom.

Featured photo taken from Booky App’s Instagram.

Their role in the UPD REB ensures the ethical conduct of research, protecting the rights and welfare of human participants while upholding the highest research standards. Congratulations to our esteemed faculty on this significant achievement!

Featured photo taken from the DHEED website. For more updates, visit: DHEED Website.

Maria Ivanka Añonuevo has achieved the highest honor by securing the Top 1 spot, demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication. Alongside her, Kaye Patricia Picazo has secured the 3rd place, Ruwayna Algaseer-Del Rosario the 4th place, Mikaela Jamela Alba the 5th place, and Glenn Cultura the 7th place. These remarkable accomplishments are a testament to their hard work and the rigorous training they received at UPD.

Their success brings immense pride not only to the College of Home Economics but also to the entire UPD community. These topnotchers have set a high standard for future interior designers and have shown the exceptional potential of UPD graduates in the professional world.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the successful examinees from the University of the Philippines Diliman who have passed the Interior Design Licensure Examination. Your achievements reflect your perseverance, passion, and the comprehensive education you have received from the College of Home Economics.

Here is the full list of our successful examinees:

• Maria Ivanka Añonuevo (Top 1)

• Kaye Patricia Picazo (3rd Place)

• Ruwayna Algaseer-Del Rosario (4th Place)

• Mikaela Jamela Alba (5th Place)

• Glenn Cultura (7th Place)

• Algaseer-Del Rosario, Ruwayna

• Castillo, Nikkei

• Dandan, Frances

• Doria, Mika

• Embesan, Mark

• Joloyohoy, Kai

• Labao, Aleta

• Orda, Joyce

• Quelapio, Daphne

• Roa, Christine

• Torres, Johann

• Villarama, Leigh

The College of Home Economics takes pride in the achievements of its graduates, who continuously demonstrate excellence in their respective fields. The success of our interior design graduates is a reflection of the comprehensive and industry-relevant curriculum, the expertise of our faculty, and the supportive learning environment provided by the College.

We commend our successful examinees for their dedication and hard work. Your success is an inspiration to all current and future students. The UPD College of Home Economics remains committed to fostering excellence and preparing students to become leaders in their chosen professions.

Once again, congratulations to Maria Ivanka Añonuevo, Kaye Patricia Picazo, Ruwayna Algaseer-Del Rosario, Mikaela Jamela Alba, Glenn Cultura, and all the successful Interior Design Board Examinees. Your achievements make us immensely proud, and we look forward to witnessing your continued success and contributions to the field of interior design.

2024 FTLE TOPNOTCHERS

Top 2 (Tie):

• Arvin James G. Doromal
• Jan Vincent D. Tecson

Top 4: Jeremiah A. Abog
Top 6: Claire Anne D. Samaniego
Top 7: Carl Katley L. Baluyut, Jozelle Mae B. Miguel
Top 8: Riley Leroy T. Lim, Cecilia Louise P. Yabut, Samantha Kathryna V. Katicbak
Top 10: Bernadette L. Clarito, Gilbert S. Felongco, Daniel S. Gaspan, Daniel Joshua L. Tayamora

Congratulations to all the successful examinees, faculty, and staff who contributed to this achievement!

For more details, visit the DFSN website: DFSN News and Announcements.