The College of Home Economics (CHE) at UP Diliman is proud to announce that the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (DFSN) has achieved a stellar 100% passing rate in the August 2026 Professional Food Technologists Licensure Examination.

With every examinee successfully passing the board exam, UP Diliman emerged as the #1 Top Performing School in the country, along with UP Mindanao, showcasing the department’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and rigorous scientific training.

CHE extends its warmest congratulations to our new professional Food Technologists! You embody the true spirit of Honor and Excellence! Padayon!

Organized by the Philippine Association of Technology in Home Economics in State Colleges and Universities, Incorporated (PATHESCU Inc.) in partnership with Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISATU), the annual gathering brings together educators and researchers from across the nation to advance the discipline of Home Economics and its allied fields.

Leading this year’s list of honorees is former CHE Dean Prof. Shirley V. Guevarra, Ph.D. of the Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management (DHRIM).

Prof. Guevarra was conferred the highly coveted Home Economics Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her decades of outstanding service, pioneering research, and transformative leadership in institution management and higher education. Her lifelong dedication has significantly shaped the landscape of hospitality and home economics education in the Philippines.

In addition to the lifetime honor, three distinguished CHE faculty members were recognized with PATHESCU Professional Awards across various categories:

• Prof. Consuelo T. Chua (Department of Home Economics Education) – Professional Award, Teaching Category.

• Asst. Prof. Lester John C. Lim (Department of Family Life and Child Development) – Professional Award, Teaching Category.

• Asst. Prof. Mary Justine Clarise A. Trinidad (Department of Home Economics Education) – Professional Award, Research Category

UPD CHE’s leadership footprint expands further as two of its key academics were elected to executive leadership positions within PATHESCU Inc.:

• Dean Joanne R. Bantang, Ph.D. was named President-Elect of PATHESCU Inc.

• Asst. Prof. Mary Justine Clarise A. Trinidad was elected as secretary.

In their new executive roles, Dean Bantang and Asst. Prof. Trinidad will help steer the strategic direction of PATHESCU Inc., furthering the association’s mission to elevate educational standards, foster research collaborations, and advance national policy advocacy for state colleges and universities.

Optimal nutrition is key to improving learning outcomes. In response to the learning crisis highlighted in the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) Report, the Technical Working Group (TWG) on Nutrition and Nutritional Needs was established in May 2024 to advance concrete, practical solutions through nutrition education.

 Composed of organizations and representatives from the academe, the TWG works collaboratively to strengthen awareness and build capacity on the critical role of nutrition in education. By integrating nutrition into learning environments, the group aims to support healthier students who are better prepared to learn, perform, and thrive. In 2025, implementation efforts were carried out through two (2) key initiatives: SULONG sa KINABUKASAN and SULONG x DUNONG. Both initiatives generally seek to:

   a)  Develop culturally appropriate, evidence-based information and education, and communication (IEC) materials;

   b) Increase the proportion of parents and caregivers demonstrating adequate knowledge on topics covered in the IEC materials; and

   c) Provide evidence on the relevance, acceptability, and usability of the IEC materials for community settings.

Under the leadership of the immediate past College of Home Economics Dean Shirley V. Guevarra, a series of nutrition education seminars was conducted from October to December 2025 in four key areas: Laguna, Pangasinan, Camarines Sur, and Basilan. These seminars brought together educators and stakeholders to discuss practical strategies in promoting nutrition knowledge and healthier food environments within schools and communities. Faculty members of the UP Diliman TWG Core team were Prof. Cecile Leah T. Bayaga, RND, PhD, Assoc. Prof. Myrna Benita Z. Luna, PFT, PhD. Asst. Prof. Cecile Klaudine C. Cabigas, RND, MSc, and Asst. Prof. Maria Carmela C. Taob, RND, MSN. Core team members from UP Los Banos Institute of Human Nutrition and Food were Prof. Liezl M. Atienza, RND, PhD, Asst. Prof. Paul Alteo A. Bagabaldo, Asst. Prof. Ann C. Cayetano, RND, MSc, Asst. Prof. Ana Loraine D. dela Vega, RND, PhD, and Asst. Prof. Von Ryan M. Ebron, PFT, MM, RND, MSc, and from UP Manila College of Public Health Assoc. Prof. Kim Leonard G. Dela Luna, RND, PhD.

TWG Core Members from UP Diliman, UP Los Baños, UP Manila, and the Zuellig Foundation

Overview of Sulong sa Kinabukasan

The first 1,000 days of life are critical in shaping a child’s future and the nation’s. The Sulong sa Kinabukasan is a flagship initiative of the Technical Working Group (TWG) under the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), grounded in the understanding that child nutrition and learning outcomes are deeply interconnected. The initiative seeks to help address the country’s learning crisis by strengthening early childhood nutrition and care.

 Aligned with Priority Area 1 of EDCOM II on early childhood nutrition, the project focuses on developing and disseminating Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials to promote proper Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF). Central to the initiative is the recognition of the vital role of parents and caregivers of children aged 0–2 years in ensuring safe, adequate, and nutritious feeding practices during the most critical growth and development period.

The development of the IYCF modules was spearheaded by faculty members from the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Home Economics, headed by former CHE Dean Shirley V. Guevarra, Prof. Cecile Leah T. Bayaga, Assoc. Prof. Myrna Benita Z. Luna, Asst. Prof. Cecile Klaudine C. Cabigas, Asst. Prof. Maria Carmela C. Taob, Asst. Prof. Fidel Mar Sebastian, and  Ms. Irene F. Dagami, with the support of project staff Ms. Jorgen Arellano, RND.

These modules have been utilized in nutrition education sessions conducted in Pangasinan, Camarines Sur, and Basilan, equipping parents, caregivers, and communities with knowledge that supports healthier beginnings for Filipino children. The module developers also served as resource speakers with the additional support from Mr. Adrial Paul H. Basilio, RND, MSCA of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition.

CHE Faculty members implementing the developed IYCF modules in Poponto, Pangasinan, Libmanan, Camarines Sur, and Isabela, Basilan. The modules contain topics on breastfeeding, complementary feeding, food safety in preparing complementary food, and preparation of age-appropriate complementary food.

Sulong sa Kinabukasan x Dunong Collaboration

Sulong x Dunong Initiative is primarily focused on the conduct of capacity building through the delivery of modules on (1) Food Safety and (2) Meal Preparation for caregivers and teachers in public elementary schools in Laguna. The modules were developed by the faculty of UP Los Banos Institute of Human Nutrition and Food (IHNF), led by Dr. Liezl Atienza, RND, PhD, under the Dunong program. The resource speakers from UP Los Banos, UP Diliman, and UP Manila discussed the modules with the parents and caregivers to equip them with nutrition-related knowledge and skills that support the shared goal of fostering healthier bodies and better learning outcomes for children. Resource speakers for the different modules were team members from UP Los Banos IHNF, including Asst. Prof. Von Ryan Ebron, Asst. Prof. Diana Agcaoili, Asst. Prof. Deborah Christine De Leon,  Asst. Prof. Paul Bagabaldo, Asst. Prof. Gemaima Evangelista, Asst. Prof. Mark Basilio Estudillo, Asst. Prof. Kristine Marie Esparas, Asst. Prof. Nica Marie Arganosa, Asst. Prof. Pamela Aclan, and Mr. King Philip Alcantara;  team members from UP Diliman led by former College of Home Economics (CHE) Dean Shirley Guevarra, together with  Dr. Myrna Luna, Asst. Prof. Jethro Belano, and College of Home Economics staff Ms. Ronalyn Tamayo, RND, Ms. Camille Besares; project staff Ms. Jorgen Arellano, RND, and volunteer BS Community Nutrition alumni Ms. Leila Dy, RND, and Mr. Wendell Tabang, RND. They were also joined by UP Manila College of Public Health faculty, Assoc. Prof. Kim Leonard G. dela Luna, RND, PhD.

Collaborative implementation of developed modules on meal management and food safety preparation for parents and caregivers of Grades 1-3 in various elementary schools in Laguna by faculty members and volunteers from UP Diliman, UP Manila, and UP Los Baños.

TWG Progress Report for Year 1

A meeting was held on July 14, 2026, to review the Year 1 accomplishments of the EDCOMM II TWG and discuss priorities for sustaining its initiatives. The meeting was attended by the core TWG members from UP Diliman and UP Los Baños IHNF, as well as the EDCOM II Communications and Advocacy Head, Mr. Luigi Conti. Aside from the TWG’s accomplishments under the SULONG-DUNONG 2025 initiative, discussions also focused on strengthening school food service systems by addressing the shortage of Registered Nutritionist-Dietitians and enhancing the quality of school-based nutrition programs. The group also discussed the Department of Education’s shift to centralized feeding kitchens, emphasizing the need for appropriate food safety measures and context-specific implementation, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. Meanwhile, policy discussions highlighted the need to create plantilla positions and improve salary grades for RNDs to strengthen the nutrition workforce. The meeting concluded with plans to expand Year 1 initiatives by collaborating with LGUs, conducting Training of Trainers activities, and developing a “First 2,000 Days” module for Year 2.

CHE-UPD representatives: Dr. Shirley V. Guevarra, Dr. Cecile T. Bayaga, Dr. Myrna Benita Z. Luna, Asst. Prof. Cecile Klaudine Cabigas, Asst. Prof. Maria Carmela C. Taob, and Ms. Irene F. Dagami; IHNF-UPLB representatives Dr. Liezl Atienza, Asst. Prof. Anne Cayetano, and Asst. Prof. Paul Bagabaldo; and EDCOMM II Communications and Advocacy Head Mr. Luigi Conti at the College of Home Economics Tearoom.

Through initiatives like “Sulong sa Kinabukasan and Dunong Program,” the University of the Philippines continues to harness research, expertise, and public service to address urgent national challenges, helping ensure that every Filipino child is nourished, supported, and ready to learn.

Prepared by Asst. Prof. Maria Carmela Taob

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.