Ajinomoto Philippines supports 1st NDAP Food & Nutripreneurship Summit

In photo from left: Lawrence Kyle Dela Cruz, RND Program Chair, NDAP National Board Director for Food Service; APC RND Bea Menorca-De Jesus; APC Director for Marketing, Sales and Public Relations, Mika Makino, APC Food Service Division Corporate Chef Manager, Chef Glenn Dino; Shaylendra Andres, RND - NDAP National Vice President; Maria Eloisa Villaraza, RND, MSCN – NDAP Immediate Past President

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) recently took part in the inaugural Food & Nutripreneurship (FUN) Summit of the Nutritionist-Dietitians' Association of the Philippines (NDAP), which took place on July 3–4, 2026. This historic event brought together industry leaders, innovators, aspiring entrepreneurs, and nutritionists from all over the nation. 

The summit, which had as its theme “Fueling Innovation in Food Service by Uniting Nutrition Advocates and Entrepreneurs and Nurturing Sustainable Ventures for Health and Wellness,” provided a forum for sharing knowledge, talking about new issues and trends, and fortifying relationships with other advocates committed to influencing the direction of food service and nutrition in the Philippines.

Bea Menorca-de Jesus, APC's registered nutritionist-dietitian, and Glen Dino, Corporate Chef Manager of the Food Service Division, led a lunch symposium highlighting the importance of increasing vegetable consumption as one of the most effective ways to improve human and environmental health. 

Chef Dino demonstrated simple vegetable recipes, such as Chopsuey Salad with CaterServe® Sesame Dressing and Mango Shrimp Salad with AJI-MAYO® Professional Style Mayonnaise, through a brief and entertaining cooking demonstration. Both had a savory or umami flavor that highlighted the "linamnam" aspect of the vegetable dishes, making them more appetizing.

“The reality we’re seeing from DOST-FNRI data is that there is a gap between nutrition and sustainability in the country now. While millions of Filipinos are not meeting their daily energy needs, household plate waste continues to rise, and vegetables are among the most wasted. Vegetables should be at the center of this conversation because increasing consumption supports nutritional goals such as providing essential vitamins and minerals, and fiber. At the same time, it contributes to sustainability as plant-based foods have lower environmental footprint.” ~Bea Menorca-de Jesus, APC’s Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) continues to strengthen its partnership with the Nutritionist-Dietitians' Association of the Philippines (NDAP) in advancing nutrition, health, and sustainability initiatives. Shown are NDAP Adviser Zenaida Velasco (center), flanked by Mika Makino, APC Director for Marketing, Sales and Public Relations (left), and Bea Menorca-de Jesus, RND, APC Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian (right)

I Love Veggie-Licious®, APC's premier nutrition campaign, also revolves around this theme. Since 2023, APC has been promoting vegetable consumption among Filipinos by touring various communities and schools across the country to lead cooking demonstrations and hands-on nutrition education. In line with APC's corporate motto, "Eat Well, Live Well," the initiative seeks to equip families, especially mothers, with the information and abilities to incorporate vegetables into their regular meals and cultivate a healthier eating habit.

“NDAP recognizes the value of multisectoral participation in promoting safe, sustainable, and evidence-based public health nutrition education for Filipinos. This event provides a platform for the exchange of knowledge and practices among nutrition professionals, businesses, food service organizations, and other stakeholders in support of shared public health and nutrition goals.” ~Lawrence Kyle Dela Cruz, RND Program Chair, NDAP National Board Director for Food Service

I Love Veggie-Licious® is one of the major ways APC continues to contribute to the Ajinomoto Group’s 2030 outcomes — help extend the healthy life expectancy of one billion people and to reduce its environmental impact by 50%. 

Likewise, APC continues to support organizations like NDAP, that share the company’s commitment to promoting nutrition, health and sustainability.