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. 

Top Filipino science students urged to apply for the 2027 Ajinomoto Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship Grant

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) confirms its commitment to promoting Filipino science proficiency by providing financial help to academically exceptional students pursuing postgraduate studies in Japan.

APC announces that applications are now open for the 2027 Ajinomoto Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship Grant, a program that provides deserving candidates the opportunity to pursue master's-level studies in Food Science and Technology, Human Nutrition, Chemistry, or Engineering at partner schools including: University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Nagoya University, Institute of Science Tokyo, Ochanomizu University, Waseda University, and Japan Nutrition University (form).

The successful applicant who meets the program's qualifications and requirements will be given full support and access to important advantages to help them prosper in their postgraduate journey. These include full examination, entrance, and tuition expenses; full coverage of medical, psychiatric, and Japanese language training prior to travel to Japan; and monthly allowances. The scholar's flight from the Philippines to Japan will also be covered.

Japan's famous education system, noted for its high academic standards, continues to attract students from all over the world. According to the Japan Student Services Organization's (JASSO) 2024 study, Japan has approximately 336,708 international students, with 58,215 of them enrolling in graduate education. According to the JASSO 2022 Career Status Progress Survey, a considerable number of international graduates find work in Japan after completing their education.

According to Mika Makino, APC Director of Marketing, Sales, and Public Relations, the company's continuing support and commitment in the Ajinomoto Scholarship Foundation is rooted in the company's mission to improve the well-being of people, society, and the environment.

“We believe that a world-class postgraduate education in Japan empowers scholars personally and professionally. The scholarship is an advantageous pathway to career advancement and global mobility. It is our hope that with advanced knowledge and training, the scholars will also be able to contribute to developing solutions for helping people Eat Well, Live Well.” ~Mika Makino,  APC Director for Marketing, Sales & Public Relations

Since the Ajinomoto Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship Grant was introduced in the Philippines in 2010, fifteen (15) full scholarship awards to various colleges in Japan have been awarded to meritorious Filipino students.

APC encourages applicants to seize the opportunity to level up their education and careers. To know the full requirements and application process, visit https://www.ajinomoto.com.ph/whats-new-archive/2027-ajinomoto-foundation-postgraduate-scholarship-grant/. The deadline for sending applications is March 2, 2026.

The Ajinomoto Group is a global company with specialties in the business of food and amino acids, guided by our leading-edge bioscience and fine chemical technologies.

Based on the corporate message “Eat Well, Live Well.”, we have been scientifically pursuing the possibilities of amino acids in supporting the healthy lives of people all around the world. We aim for future growth and continuous contribution to greater wellness by creating value through sustainable and innovative solutions for communities and society.

The Ajinomoto Group has offices in 36 countries and regions and sells products in more than 130 countries and regions. In fiscal 2021, sales were 1.1149 trillion yen (8.73 billion U.S. dollars). To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com.