The College of Home Economics (CHE), in partnership with the UP Diliman Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts (OICA), launched Rooted Resilience: Future Feasts of Filipino Flavors on September 8 at Alonso Hall 102, UP Diliman.
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.
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Dr. Catherine Sarah Young, artist, environmentalist, and cultural advocate, shared her personal journey and reminded students of the interconnectedness of food, environment, and identity.
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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.
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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!