MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) announced plans on Monday to allocate more funds for modern kitchen facilities in higher education institutions to bolster tourism and hospitality management programs nationwide. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the quality of education in these fields.
According to Philippines News Agency, the funding initiative follows a recent grant of approximately PHP25 million provided to the Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) through its Institutional Development and Innovation Grant (IDIG) for the procurement of advanced kitchen equipment. CHED Chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III stated that the commission has already funded similar facilities in nearly ten other state universities and colleges and plans to support the establishment of fifteen more hot and cold kitchen facilities in both public and private universities this year.
The new facilities at LSPU are equipped with industry-standard equipment such as three-door glass chillers, planetary mixers, automatic coffee machines, culinary blenders, food display refrigerators, charcoal tandoor ovens, and electric convection ovens. These improvements are designed to provide students with hands-on experience using professional-grade culinary tools.
Charmine Rivera, Dean of the LSPU College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, expressed gratitude for CHED's support, reminiscing about the days when students had to bring their own cooking stoves and plates for practical lessons. She highlighted the transformative impact of the new facilities on the educational experience.
Around 1,400 students enrolled in Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) and Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) programs at LSPU are expected to benefit from this project. De Vera emphasized the goal of producing skilled graduates ready to contribute to the tourism industry, aligning with the objectives set out in the Tourism Act of 2009 and the directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Additionally, the Department of Tourism-Regional Office of Laguna emphasized the importance of investing in upgraded educational facilities to prepare an industry-ready workforce, particularly in the tourism sector.
CAMARINES SUR, Philippines — Beginning Monday, approximately 1,200 students in Camarines Sur have begun receiving financial assistance as part of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.According to Philippines News Agency, the program aims to support assessed and eligible students in addressing their educational needs.
The cash aid distribution was led by Laurio, Camarines Sur Governor Luigi Villafuerte, and Senator Imee Marcos at the municipal covered court in Libmanan, Camarines Sur. DSWD-Bicol information officer Marygizelle Mesa reported that PHP6 million in total has been allocated for the initiative, with each beneficiary receiving PHP5,000 to assist with school-related expenses.
During the initial payout, 622 junior, senior high school, and college students received their financial support. The remaining beneficiaries are scheduled to receive their aid on March 20 and 21. Libmanan Mayor Jesus Camara expressed gratitude in a social media post towards the DSWD, Senator Marcos, and Governor Villafuerte for their roles in facilitating the assistance distribution, highlighting the significant impact of their collective efforts on the local community.
The AICS program, as explained by Mesa, is designed to aid individuals and families recovering from crisis situations, including illness, death of a family member, and other emergencies, by providing timely financial support.