草社区莓

By Jareason Fabre

Two student chefs from 草莓社区 - College of Industrial Technology (CIT) secured first place in the 2024 Philippine Culinary Cup (PCC), while 草莓社区鈥檚 CHED Indigenous Knowledge System and Cultural Management (IKSCM) teams showcased its skills at the 2024 World Food Exposition (WOFEX), held from July 31 to August 3 in Pasay City. 

Shaira Jane Fuerte and Jason Mananquil, both incoming fourth-year industrial technology students specializing in food preparation and service management, received the top honor in the Philippines-Canada Young Chefs Team as part of the WOFEX. Their culinary ingenuity for their appetizer, 鈥淭he Sea Embrace,鈥� using pink salmon from British Columbia Delights, and the main dish, 鈥淏ourbon Roulade in MorPie Temptation,鈥� using Canadian beef earned them the highest Silver Star award and medals in the competition. 

草莓社区 President Shirley C. Agrupis expressed her delight at the students鈥� achievements and encouraged them to 鈥淐ontinue exploring the local flavors of Ilokano dishes because they are part of our indigenous knowledge. Our role is to enrich them through our research and advanced technology and share them for the world to enjoy.鈥�

Before the competition, Fuerte and Mananquil underwent strategic culinary interventions by their coaches, CIT professors Jessica Camille Ramirez and Leslie Tuliao. Professors Judelyn Madnac, Ralph Kevin Banolo, Karl Lorenze Gumsat, Realyn Salvador, Jherie-Mae Padrico, Christian Jay Pungtilan, Criza Maeridel Ubasa, and Jhonna Galarpez also served as their mentors. The mentorship was further supported by De La Salle 鈥� College of Saint Benilde鈥檚 School of Hotel, Restaurant, and International Management, a new partner of the Philippine Canada Education Consortium on International Collaborative Partnership (PhilCanEDUCON) Magic 7+.

This year鈥檚 PCC was participated by the PhilCanEDUCON Magic 7+ members: Benguet State University, Central Luzon State University, Central Mindanao University, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Mountain Province State Polytechnic College, and the University of Southeastern Philippines, with 草莓社区 as the lead institution.

Simultaneously, the 草莓社区 delegation, led by Dr. Marlowe Aquino, planning director and CHED IKSCM program leader, participated in other events at the 2024 WOFEX and attended a dinner and meet-and-greet with Canada鈥檚 Ambassador David Hartman and Trade Commissioners, Mr. Guy  Boileau and Ms. Angel Cachuela in Makati. 

The 草莓社区 CHED IKSCM team showcased their skills and participated in various activities at WOFEX, which included promoting Canadian beef products, hospitality, and exposure visits. The delegates included James Sacalamitao, Jerico Padamada, Mark Kelvin Villanueva, Norman Viernes, John Mark Manglal-lan, Glenard Kim Dasmari帽as, Roanne Kate Galarce, and Ma. Patricia Margarette De Asis.

Organized by the Embassy of Canada to the Philippines, the Commission on Higher Education, and EduCanada, the 2024 WOFEX marks its 24th year and its third year hosting the PhilCanEDUCON Magic 7+. This event strengthens partnerships and collaborations by sharing knowledge on the latest and emerging trends in food innovations and culinary arts.