The University of the Philippines Diliman College of Home Economics (UPD CHE) demonstrated its continued excellence in academic leadership, research, and pedagogy as its faculty members and administrators harvested top recognitions during the 27th PATHESCU Inc. Annual National Conference and Training, held on July 17, 2026, at the Zuri Hotel, Iloilo City.
Organized by the Philippine Association of Teachers of Home Economics in State Colleges and Universities (PATHESCU Inc.), 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:
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Prof. Consuelo T. Chua (Department of Home Economics Education) – Professional Award, Teaching Category.
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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.:
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Dean Joanne R. Bantang, Ph.D. was named President-Elect of PATHESCU Inc.
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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.