TESDA Director General Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez recently met with officials of Nestlé Philippines to further expand collaboration aimed at equipping coffee farmers with industry-relevant skills and modern agricultural knowledge. The strengthened partnership seeks to improve farm productivity, enhance the quality of locally grown coffee, and create more sustainable economic opportunities for rural communities.

Under the initiative, TESDA and Nestlé Philippines will focus on key areas such as modern agricultural training, access to technology, improved logistics and distribution systems, fertilizer support, post-harvest processing, and stronger collaboration among government agencies, industry stakeholders, and local communities.

“Coffee starts with strong support from the farm all the way to your cup,” Benitez said. “Skills are the currency of the workplace, and certified skills are front and center at every stage of coffee production. Proud kami sa TESDA na maging ka-partner ng Nestlé para magturo ng skills at gawing mas makabuluhan ang bawat tasa para sa farmers at consumers.”

Nestlé Philippines Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs Joey Uy III emphasized the company’s continuing commitment to advancing the welfare of Filipino coffee farmers through public-private collaboration.

“Our partnership with TESDA allows us to contribute not only to improving coffee farming practices but also to strengthening the long-term resilience of farming communities,” Uy said. “By combining technical training with on-the-ground support, we can help build a more sustainable value chain—from farm to cup.”

Through the strengthened partnership, TESDA and Nestlé Philippines aim to help develop a more resilient and globally competitive local coffee industry anchored on empowered farmers, sustainable practices, and inclusive growth.

Beyond coffee farming, both organizations are also exploring additional areas for collaboration, including entrepreneurship training for sari-sari store owners, green TVET initiatives, e-learning through e-TESDA, and community-based training programs in partnership with local government units.

Set on May 21, 2026 at Le Cordon Bleu–Ateneo de Manila inside the Areté, the gathering brings together chefs, authors, educators, and culinary thinkers for a meaningful exploration of how Filipino cuisine is documented, interpreted, and elevated for a global audience.

At the center of the event are two influential books shaping contemporary discourse on Filipino food: Pinas Simpol: The Love and Lore of Filipino Cooking by Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou and Bukambibig (Word of Mouth) by Ige Ramos. Together, these works contribute to the growing body of literature defining Filipino cuisine not merely through recipes, but through cultural context, history, and structured culinary knowledge.

Joining the panel discussion is Chef Cyrille Soenen, whose participation deepens the dialogue between Filipino and French culinary traditions.

Beyond the conference, guests will experience a curated tasting feast featuring select dishes inspired by Pinas Simpol and Bukambibig, alongside specially crafted creations from Le Cordon Bleu–Ateneo de Manila. More than a showcase of flavors, the tasting highlights a rare collaboration between two of the Philippines’ respected culinary voices and one of the world’s most renowned culinary institutions.

Codifying Filipino culinary heritage

One of the long-standing challenges facing Filipino cuisine has been the lack of codified systems compared with globally established culinary traditions such as French gastronomy, which is widely recognized for its technical discipline, culinary literature, and structured teaching methods.

Through Bukambibig, Ramos frames Filipino cuisine as a cultural and historical text, challenging misconceptions while positioning it as a sophisticated and evolving body of knowledge. Meanwhile, Sarthou introduces structured concepts such as the “Four Legs of the Filipino Table” and the “Simpol ABC Method,” demonstrating that Filipino cooking possesses its own systems, logic, and culinary intelligence.

Together, these works represent an important step toward articulating Filipino cuisine on its own terms—without relying on foreign standards for validation.

Filipino and French cuisine in conversation

The collaboration with Le Cordon Bleu–Ateneo de Manila underscores the meaningful intersection between Filipino and French culinary traditions. Rather than placing one cuisine above another, the event highlights their shared foundations: respect for ingredients, mastery of technique, and the passing of culinary knowledge across generations.

French cuisine has long served as a global benchmark for culinary excellence and preservation. Filipino cuisine, meanwhile, reveals parallel strengths in its regional diversity, adaptability, and deeply rooted cultural narratives.

What is often described as tantsa or intuition in Filipino cooking is reframed in Pinas Simpol as a form of culinary intelligence comparable to the precision found in classical French methods. At the same time, Bukambibig situates Filipino food within a broader historical and global context, showing how it has absorbed and transformed influences—including European traditions—into something distinctly Filipino.

A new chapter for Filipino cuisine

More than a culinary gathering, From Plates to Pages signals a shift in how Filipino cuisine is perceived globally—from an “emerging” cuisine to one capable of scholarship, critical dialogue, and international relevance.

By connecting the insights of Bukambibig and Pinas Simpol with the discipline and legacy of French gastronomy, the event affirms that Filipino cuisine is entering a more confident and clearly defined era on the world stage.

The public is invited to attend this unique cultural and culinary experience where stories move from page to plate, offering guests a rare opportunity to encounter Filipino food in a setting that is both intimate and elevated.

Event Details

From Plates to Pages: A Gastronomic Dialogue and Tasting Feast
May 21, 2026
Ubuntu Space, Areté Building, Ateneo de Manila University

Conference | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Tasting Feast | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Conference Pass – ₱350
• Tasting Feast – ₱1,800
• Bundle Rate – ₱1,950

Register here: Event Registration

The high-level gathering comes as Southeast Asia faces a worsening energy crisis, supply chain disruptions and broader economic strain, underscoring the need for stronger regional cooperation and sustainable growth strategies.

The summit will be held in Cebu, Philippines, where a national energy emergency has been declared, highlighting vulnerabilities in ASEAN’s energy and economic systems. Organizers said discussions will focus on how ASEAN can strengthen resilience through deeper ASEAN-EU ties and stronger public-private sector collaboration.

Among the program highlights is a ministerial panel featuring Philippine Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go and Indonesia Deputy Minister of National Development Planning Leonardo A.A. Teguh Sambodo.

EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro will join a dialogue on ASEAN-EU cooperation with Robert E.A. Borje, vice chairperson and executive director of the Philippine Climate Change Commission.

ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, EU Ambassador to ASEAN Sujiro Seam, and European Commission representatives are also expected to participate virtually.

Key discussions will center on sustainability priorities under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship, including energy transition, green finance, circular economy development, sustainable trade and supply chains, and climate-resilient agriculture.

More than 200 representatives from government, business, development institutions and civil society are expected to attend the summit, jointly organized by the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP).

Chris Humphrey, executive director of EU-ABC, said ASEAN and the EU must deepen cooperation amid multiple overlapping crises.

“We’re facing energy, economic and supply chain challenges that no party can address alone. ASEAN and the EU should look to each other for a reliable, long-term partnership built on shared ambitions for sustainable economic growth,” Humphrey said.

Paulo Duarte, president of ECCP and member of the EU-ABC Executive Board, said the next step is turning momentum into practical cooperation.

“The ASEAN-EU partnership has grown significantly, but the priority now is to translate that into tangible collaboration,” Duarte said.

The summit will also highlight the private sector’s role in advancing sustainability priorities, particularly in circular economy systems, supply chain integrity and agricultural resilience.

Executives from global companies, including Boehringer Ingelheim, Coca-Cola and Philip Morris International are expected to join the discussions.

Organizers said the event aims to move beyond dialogue and generate actionable partnerships that can support ASEAN’s long-term resilience and sustainable development agenda.

Launched Tuesday, the new logo will serve as the country’s official certification mark for registered GI products, enabling consumers to easily identify authentic goods whose quality, reputation, or characteristics are closely linked to their geographic origin. IPOPHL said the initiative is expected to raise product value, improve producer visibility, and expand commercial prospects for communities across the country.

Developed by IPOPHL’s Bureau of Trademarks, the logo is part of broader efforts to modernize the country’s GI system and strengthen institutional coordination as policies and legislation on origin-based products continue to evolve.

“A GI is more than a label. It is a declaration of origin,” said Teodoro C. Pascua, Director General of IPOPHL. “The GI Logo gives that declaration a face and a promise—one that stands for provenance, quality, and the community behind the product.”

Geographical indications are signs used on goods originating from a specific place, where a given quality, reputation, or other characteristic is essentially attributable to that origin. These may apply to agricultural, industrial, and handicraft products, allowing communities to command premium pricing while protecting consumers from misleading claims.

Loren Legarda emphasized the cultural and economic importance of the initiative, saying the logo reflects the deep connection between Philippine products, the land they come from, and the knowledge of local communities.

Meanwhile, Marie Fontanel highlighted the role of GIs in addressing climate-related threats to traditional products. She reaffirmed France’s support through a ₱30.1-million project funded by Agence Française de Développement (AFD), aimed at promoting climate resilience through GI protection.

“For too long, our local products have suffered from lack of recognition,” said Maximo Y. Dalog Jr. in a statement delivered during the event. He noted that GI registration can help farmers secure better prices, improve productivity, and attract global attention to uniquely Filipino products.

Under the proposed guidelines, the GI Logo:

• Certifies officially recognized Philippine GI products
• May only be used by authorized GI registrants
• Must appear alongside the official GI name
• Must follow prescribed visual standards to preserve consistency and integrity

The launch was held alongside a capacity-building program for national agencies and stakeholders to strengthen understanding of GI governance and improve coordination.

IPOPHL Deputy Director General Nathaniel S. Arevalo said the agency remains committed to making GI protection a practical tool that benefits producers, strengthens partnerships, and amplifies the stories of Filipino communities.

At present, the Philippines has four registered geographical indications: Guimaras Mangoes, Alburquerque Asin Tibuok, Aklan Piña, and T’nalak Tau Sebu.

Through the AFD-backed project, IPOPHL and the Department of Agriculture are also working to advance Bikol Pili and Camiguin Lanzones toward GI status, while supporting farmers and improving the legislative environment for origin-based products.

Making It Happen with IBM: The BOI and IBM teams with student delegates and faculty from Nagpayong High School and Rizal High School during the second run of SILIP.

BOI Director Mary Ann E. Raganit delivers her opening remarks at the “Do It Like an IBMer: Student Immersion” activity under AIM! SILIP.

Launched in 2025, SILIP continues to provide meaningful industry exposure to young Filipinos.
More than 20 students including faculty members from Nagpayong High School and Rizal High School participated in the “Do It Like an IBMer: Student Immersion,” designed to offer firsthand insights into careers in technology and innovation.

The program featured structured immersion sessions that combined workplace exposure, mentorship, and career learning. Students began with an interactive IBMer–student session, experiencing a day in the life of an IBM professional. This was followed by a presentation on IBM SkillsBuild and sharing of internship experiences. The activity concluded with a Q&A session with IBM business leaders.

In her opening remarks, BOI Director Mary Ann E. Raganit underscored the importance of early industry exposure in shaping future-ready talent.

“Through SILIP, we aim to inspire and equip our youth with the awareness and confidence to pursue careers in high-tech industries. By connecting them directly with global industry leaders such as IBM, we bring learning beyond the classroom and closer to real-world opportunities,” she said.

The immersion left a strong impression on participating students, particularly in their understanding of workplace culture and career possibilities in the technology sector. One student shared that what stood out most was learning about the importance of work-life balance, saying that a fulfilling career can go hand-in-hand with personal well-being.

During the dialogue with IBM leaders, students posed questions on career motivations and staying relevant in a rapidly evolving field. In response, IBM professionals emphasized that the dynamic nature of technology continues to drive innovation and learning, highlighting the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and lifelong learning, which are values that IBM actively promotes through initiatives such as IBM SkillsBuild and THINK40.

Four scholarship categories are available: Research (Master’s or Doctoral), Undergraduate, Specialized Training College, and College of Technology.

Filipino citizens who meet the following qualifications are eligible to apply:

The program targets academically strong Filipino applicants and supports studies in areas ranging from social sciences and humanities to engineering, technology, and applied disciplines.

Scholarship categories and key details:

• Research (Master’s/Doctoral)
  Open to college graduates with a clear and feasible research proposal and strong academic standing. Applicants must be under 35 years old by April 1, 2027. Programs run for two to five years and cover social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. Applicants are generally expected to pursue fields aligned with their previous studies.
• Undergraduate
  For high school graduates with good academic records, aged under 25. The program spans five years and covers social sciences and natural sciences.
• Specialized Training College
  Also open to high school graduates under 25, with a study period of three years. Fields include technology, personal care and nutrition, education and welfare, business, fashion and home economics, as well as culture and general education.
• College of Technology
  Designed for high school graduates under 25, with programs lasting four to 4.5 years. Available fields include mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, information and communications technology, materials engineering, architecture and civil engineering, and maritime engineering.

Application guidelines and forms are available on the Embassy website.

The deadline for submission of applications is May 29, 2026. Only physical documents, either hand-delivered or sent by mail to the Embassy, will be accepted.

For inquiries, applicants may contact scholarship@ma.mofa.go.jp.

The Embassy noted that application procedures may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

Held on April 15, 2026, the initiative provided students with valuable exposure to the evolving energy landscape, highlighting innovations in grid modernization, digital transformation, and sustainable power solutions. Through interactive discussions led by Meralco executives and industry experts, students gained insights into the real-world challenges and opportunities shaping the Philippine energy sector.

Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and MPA President Ronnie L. Aperocho, an MSU alumnus, emphasized the importance of innovation and resilience in strengthening the country’s power infrastructure.

“While our operations are primarily in Luzon, the challenges we face are the same challenges the country’s grid is confronting – including here in Mindanao. Over the past few years, Meralco has been deliberately revolutionizing distribution utility operations—deploying advanced distribution automation up to the grid-edge, big data analytics, and other cutting-edge, resilient, and cyber-secure systems and platforms,” Aperocho said.

The program also underscored the role of customer-centered innovation in delivering public value. Meralco Senior Vice President and Head of DU Subsidiaries and Strategic Partnerships Ferdinand O. Geluz shared how the company’s digital transformation initiatives are enhancing customer experience through accessible and efficient services.

Beyond knowledge-sharing, the initiative strengthened industry-academe collaboration between Meralco and MSU-GenSan, building on their 2025 partnership focused on knowledge exchange and practical learning opportunities for aspiring engineers and energy professionals.

To further support experiential learning, Meralco, through MPA, donated specialized power equipment to MSU-GenSan, reinforcing its advocacy of equipping students with hands-on learning resources that will help prepare them for the future of the energy industry.

Under JICA’s Technical Cooperation for Grassroots Projects (TCGP), the “Project to Develop Cacao and Chocolate Industries for Peace in the Bangsamoro Region” will run from January 2026 to January 2028 in collaboration with Hiroshima University and local cooperatives. The initiative focuses on strengthening the region’s emerging cacao and chocolate industry—seen as a viable pathway to inclusive growth and peacebuilding.

At its core, the project supports community-based cacao farmers in improving bean quality and adopting better post-harvest and processing practices. This addresses long-standing challenges in parts of Mindanao, where pests, diseases, and environmental pressures have affected productivity and income stability. By equipping farmers with technical knowledge and practical skills, the program aims to create more resilient and sustainable livelihoods.

Two cooperatives will serve as pilot sites. In Maguindanao del Norte, Al Noor Salam (Light of Peace) Farm will receive targeted support to enhance production consistency. In Lanao del Sur, Kakaw Meranaw will refine its chocolate-making processes and elevate product quality. Technical training—led by Hiroshima University—covers cultivation, fermentation, drying, and quality control.

Hands-on training is already underway, with the first session held in Tupi, South Cotabato from March 27 to April 1, 2026. Farmers from Maguindanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur are participating in intensive learning sessions designed to strengthen both production and processing capabilities.

Selected participants will also undergo advanced chocolate-making training in Japan, enabling them to transfer specialized skills to their communities. Central to the initiative is the concept of “Chocolate for Peace,” which positions cacao not just as an agricultural product but as a catalyst for community empowerment, social cohesion, and future market readiness.

Beyond farmer training, the project also strengthens institutions. MAFAR personnel are participating in technical sessions and remote consultations, while a regional cacao research and support network will be established across Western Mindanao to address persistent issues such as pest and disease management.

JICA said it hopes the initiative will lead to sustainable, community-driven business models for high-quality, branded cacao and chocolate from Bangsamoro—demonstrating how agriculture can contribute directly to peacebuilding.

The project also forms part of broader Philippines-Japan cooperation as both countries mark 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, underscoring a shared commitment to human security, inclusive development, and lasting peace in Mindanao.

For Unilever Philippines, this means embedding inclusion into its core strategy—through workplace policies, leadership development, and community-based programs that enable women to thrive across all stages of life.

Building inclusive workplaces

Women make up more than half of Unilever Philippines’ workforce, with around 660 employees across leadership, supply chain, and field operations, including roles traditionally dominated by men. This reflects a long-term strategy to embed inclusion as a business imperative rather than a standalone initiative.

The company has strengthened its support systems over the years, expanding maternity leave benefits from 120 days in 2017 to 150 days today, exceeding statutory requirements. These are complemented by workplace facilities such as on-site daycare centers, nursing rooms, and access to essential hygiene products—practical measures that enable women to better balance career and family responsibilities.

Grounded in the Filipino value of malasakit, these initiatives aim to create a workplace culture where employees feel supported and empowered to grow.

“True inclusion happens when companies go beyond policies and actively create environments where women feel seen and supported,” said Geeta Royyuru. “At Unilever, we remain intentional in opening more pathways for women to lead and thrive.”

One example is Zophia Nicolas, now a Sourcing Unit Manager, whose career journey—from intern to leadership—demonstrates how mentorship and equal opportunity can help women succeed in manufacturing. Her experience underscores the importance of creating spaces where women are encouraged to step into leadership roles.

Extending impact to communities

Beyond its workforce, Unilever Philippines is advancing women’s empowerment through livelihood and sustainability programs.

Through Misis Walastik, its plastic waste collection initiative, women are given opportunities to earn additional income while contributing to environmental protection. Beneficiaries like Karen King, a mother of three, have been able to support their families through waste collection while running small businesses on the side.

The company also invests in grassroots entrepreneurship through programs such as GentriAsenso in General Trias and the Kabisig Summit, which provides training in financial literacy, digital tools, and business development for sari-sari store owners. Women account for 89% of Kabisig partners, with more than 30,000 trained over the past decade—strengthening their capacity to build resilient micro-enterprises.

Driving inclusive growth

By integrating workplace inclusion with community development, Unilever Philippines is building a broader ecosystem that supports women not only as employees, but as entrepreneurs, caregivers, and community leaders.

These initiatives highlight how businesses can play a pivotal role in advancing gender equality—creating opportunities that enable women to succeed and lead across all aspects of society.

The collaboration forms part of Maya’s flagship sustainability initiative on women’s financing, aligned with its broader push to improve financial health among underserved sectors.

Under the partnership, Maya will expand access to digital financial services—including payments, savings, and credit—while SPARK! Philippines will provide training, mentorship, advocacy, and community-based support. The initiative recognizes that enabling women-led businesses to thrive requires more than access to capital alone.

“This is a segment that is heavily driving economic activity but still remains underserved,” said Toff Rada, Head of Corporate Affairs at Maya. “Our focus is to support women-led micro businesses in ways that reflect how they actually operate—through tools that help them manage, grow, and sustain their income over time.”

For its part, Maica Teves, Executive Director of SPARK! Philippines, emphasized the importance of holistic support. “Women micro-entrepreneurs are already driving economic activity in their communities, but many still face barriers beyond access to financing. By working with Maya, we aim to bring training, mentorship, and community-based support closer to them.”

Women play a vital role in the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector, with studies showing that more than half of small businesses in the Philippines are owned or led by women. MSMEs account for 99.5% of all registered businesses, employ around 63% of the workforce, and contribute roughly 40% of the country’s economic output, based on data from the Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Despite their significant contribution, women-led enterprises remain underserved. A 2023 study by the Asian Development Bank found that only about 28% of women-led MSMEs adopt digital financial services, compared to 44% of male-led businesses—highlighting persistent gaps in access to tools that support growth and financial resilience.

Maya’s own ecosystem underscores the opportunity to close these gaps. More than 90% of its nationwide Maya Centers are operated by women, many of whom run sari-sari stores and other neighborhood enterprises.

Through the Maya Business app, MSMEs can accept digital payments, manage transactions, and access financial services in a single platform—streamlining operations and improving cash flow. Eligible businesses may also tap short-term credit through Maya Advance to support working capital needs such as inventory restocking and daily expenses.

The partnership reflects Maya’s broader approach to financial inclusion—expanding access to financial tools while ensuring these are used effectively to help women entrepreneurs grow sustainable businesses and build more resilient livelihoods.