By Joycel Lagrio, Contributor

Seven faculty members and 12 students from the College of Business, Economics and Accountancy (CBEA-Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management), College of Industrial Technology (CIT-Food Processing and Service Management), and College of Teacher Education (CTE-Technology, Livelihood and Vocational Education) participated in the Executive Culinary Sessions of the World Food Expo (WOFEX) Philippine Culinary Cup 2025 from August 3–9 in Manila. 

The event, held through the invitation of the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines under the Commission on Higher Education-Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Cultural Management (CHED-IKSCM) program, gathered culinary enthusiasts in the country to engage in hands-on culinary techniques, exchange ideas on food technologies, learn innovative approaches in the industry, and explore international culinary practices and standards. 

One highlight of the seven-day event was a session with renowned chefs Miguel Carlo and Joseph Gomez, where participants helped prepare an exclusive banquet at the official residence of Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines, David Hartman. 

According to Dr. Marlowe Aquino, national program leader of the CHED-IKSCM and MMSU Director for Extension, the event provided the university with a competitive advantage in the culinary and hospitality sector, paving the way for stronger international collaborations.

“This opportunity has strengthened our global linkages, honed our students’ industry skills, and opened new doors for agricultural and culinary partnerships,” Dr. Aquino said.

The event forms part of MMSU’s continuing partnership with the Philippine–Canada Educational Consortium for International Collaborative Partnerships (PhilCanEduCon Magic 7+).