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 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.

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.

With the theme centered on Creative Work alongside Research, QUACHELLA 2025 provided a platform for CHE faculty members to collectively examine how creative outputs and research endeavors can be meaningfully integrated into instruction, aligned with program learning outcomes (PLOs), and situated within the College’s quality assurance framework.

Revisiting Creative Work as Academic Practice

Organized by the Department of Clothing, Textiles and Interior Design (CTID), the three-day conference brought together faculty members from across CHE for a series of keynote lectures, panel discussions, workshops, and collaborative activities. The opening program featured welcome remarks by Dean Shirley V. Guevarra, followed by a keynote presentation on Creative Work as an Academic Endeavor in the University delivered by Dr. Michael L. Tan, former Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Diliman.

A panel discussion on Creative Work in the University further enriched the conversation, with insights from Dean Toym Imao, Director Monica Santos, and Dr. Alyssa Alampay, moderated by Dr. Excelsa Tongson. The session highlighted diverse perspectives on how creative work is conceptualized, recognized, and evaluated within the academic landscape.

From Dialogue to Practice: Workshops and Faculty Outputs

A central component of QUACHELLA 2025 was its workshop series, designed to translate reflection into practice. Workshop I, facilitated by Dr. Lizamarie Olegario, focused on defining and contextualizing creative work within CHE’s various subdisciplines. Faculty participants collaboratively articulated how creative outputs contribute to teaching and scholarship, culminating in group presentations and peer feedback.

The conference also placed strong emphasis on quality assurance and outcomes-based education. A keynote on Quality Assurance by Dr. Aura Matias set the stage for Workshop II, led by Dr. Joanne Bantang, which examined how research and creative work can be embedded in course assessments and mapped to program learning outcomes. These sessions enabled faculty members to reflect on alignment between instructional strategies, outputs, and institutional goals.

Strengthening Faculty Community

Beyond its academic objectives, QUACHELLA 2025 also reinforced collegiality and collaboration within CHE. Informal exchanges during meals and the Fellowship Dinner and QUACHELLA Music Festival fostered a sense of community, recognizing that academic work is sustained not only through rigor, but also through shared experience and mutual support.

Institutional Significance

QUACHELLA 2025 stands as a significant milestone in CHE’s ongoing efforts to strengthen faculty development and ensure the relevance and quality of its academic programs. The discussions and outputs generated during the conference continue to inform conversations on curriculum development, creative scholarship, and quality assurance within the College.

The successful implementation of the conference was made possible through the collective efforts of the CTID faculty and staff, led by Asst. Prof. Kristyn Caragay, CTID Department Chair, together with the organizing committees responsible for program development, administration, and operations.

As CHE moves forward, QUACHELLA 2025 remains a valuable reference point for how the College engages with evolving academic practices while staying grounded in its disciplinary foundations.

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.