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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Food devider Ajinomoto gathers CALABARZON youth for nutrition, sustainability summit

Ajinomoto gathers CALABARZON youth for nutrition, sustainability summit

By MBrand
Published Feb 11, 2026 12:17 pm
Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation executives join officials from the Department of Education, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Department of Agriculture during the Eat Well, Live Well Youth Summit in Tagaytay City on Jan. 31, 2026. The summit gathered 250 participants from CALABARZON to promote balanced nutrition and sustainable living. From left are Mika Makino, APC director; Bea Menorca-de Jesus, APC nutritionist; Johnalen Aira S. Soberano of DepEd; Eduarda Zapanta, DepEd supervisor; Kristoff Buyoc, APC manager; Dr. Azucena Milana-Dayanghirang, nutrition expert; Koichi Ozaki, APC president; and Makoto Tanabe, APC senior vice president.
Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation executives join officials from the Department of Education, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Department of Agriculture during the Eat Well, Live Well Youth Summit in Tagaytay City on Jan. 31, 2026. The summit gathered 250 participants from CALABARZON to promote balanced nutrition and sustainable living. From left are Mika Makino, APC director; Bea Menorca-de Jesus, APC nutritionist; Johnalen Aira S. Soberano of DepEd; Eduarda Zapanta, DepEd supervisor; Kristoff Buyoc, APC manager; Dr. Azucena Milana-Dayanghirang, nutrition expert; Koichi Ozaki, APC president; and Makoto Tanabe, APC senior vice president.
About 250 students from public and private schools across CALABARZON attended the Eat Well, Live Well Youth Summit organized by Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation on Jan. 31, bringing together educators, government officials and nutrition advocates to discuss balanced nutrition and sustainable living.
The summit centered on the company’s “Eat Well, Live Well” philosophy, encouraging young people to view food choices as linked not only to personal health but also to environmental impact. The Tagaytay gathering marked the CALABARZON leg of a nationwide series that has engaged students in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Ajinomoto Philippines President Koichi Ozaki said the company aims to build a network of “Wellness Champions” among students.
“Ajinomoto is committed to building a network of Wellness Champions. The youth are the best influencers of their social circles and communities. When a student learns how to cook a 'Veggielicious' meal or learns a mindful approach to food that minimizes waste and shares these with their loved ones and peers - that’s how we can spark change and create a healthier society.”
The event was held with the endorsement of the Department of Education and with support from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture. Among those present were DepEd Chief Education Supervisor Eduarda Zapanta; DepEd Region IV-A Nutritionist-Dietician II Johnalen Aira S. Soberano; DENR Regional Community Development Officer Elbert Basallote; DA OIC-Field Operations Head Felix Joselito H. Noceda; and former National Nutrition Council Deputy Executive Director Dr. Azucena Milana-Dayanghirang. Speakers underscored the role of young people in shaping healthier and more environmentally conscious communities.
Ajinomoto’s Nutrition Advancement team led discussions on umami, often described as the fifth basic taste, and its role in enhancing vegetable-based dishes. The session also covered how umami seasoning or monosodium glutamate can be used to make nutritious food more appealing.
Meanwhile, the company’s sustainability team presented the Ajinomoto Group’s “Too Good To Waste” initiative, which promotes mindful food consumption, practical steps to reduce waste and simple ways to incorporate more vegetables into daily meals.
The summit concluded with a ceremonial pledge, with students, teachers and stakeholders expressing support for the Eat Well, Live Well mission.
Closing the event, Sales, Marketing & Public Relations Director Mika Makino addressed the student delegates.
“Today is the beginning of your journey as Champions,” Makino stated. “By integrating these mindful habits into your daily lifestyle, you are not only improving your own well-being but are also leading the change toward a more sustainable Philippines.”
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