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 attended the first Nutritionist-Dietitians' Association of the Philippines (NDAP) Food & Nutripreneurship (FUN) Summit, which took place on July 3-4, 2026. The event brought together nutrition professionals, industry leaders, innovators, and aspiring entrepreneurs from across the country. 

The summit, titled “Fueling Innovation in Food Service by Uniting Nutrition Advocates and Entrepreneurs and Nurturing Sustainable Ventures for Health and Wellness,” provided a forum for participants to exchange ideas, discuss emerging trends and issues, and strengthen ties with other advocates committed to shaping the future of nutrition and food service in the Philippines.

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

Chef Dino demonstrated quick and fun vegetable recipes such as Chopsuey Salad with CaterServe® Sesame Dressing and Mango Shrimp Salad with AJI-MAYO® Professional Style Mayonnaise. Both used umami or savory flavors to enhance the "linamnam" factor of vegetable dishes, making them tastier and more appealing.

“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)

This message is also central to APC's flagship nutritional campaign, I Love Veggie-Licious®. Since 2023, APC has been encouraging Filipinos to eat more vegetables by visiting schools and communities across the country to provide practical nutrition education and cooking demonstrations. The initiative aims to provide families, particularly mothers, with the knowledge and skills necessary to incorporate vegetables into their daily meals and develop the habit of eating healthier, in line with APC's corporate slogan, "Eat Well, Live Well."

“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.