Mabalacat City College (MCC) attended the flag-raising ceremony of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) at the Central Office on 21 October 2024, under the theme "Culinary Education in Improving Food Systems." This featured a cooking demonstration by IHTM faculty Chef Joven Ocampo, MBA, who showcased a variety of Southeast Asian dishes, including Pad Thai, Nasi Goreng, Sisig, and Chicken Satay.
Relative to the culinary showcase, MCC highlighted its commitment to student welfare through its Kape Tinape project, a community pantry initiative conducted during major exams in partnership with Gardenia and Nescafe. This program aimed to ensure that no student faces an exam on an empty stomach.
CHED Executive Director IV, Atty. Cinderella Filipina S. Benitez-Jaro acknowledged the proactive approach of MCC and stated, “We can see the initiative of the management [through your] programs and projects. You were able to showcase it not only to your students, but to the public as well.” This underscored MCC’s dedication to trailblazing relevant programs that enhances the educational experience of its students.
CHED Commissioners Dr. Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela and Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis also attended the ceremony. Atty. Benitez-Jaro also praised the engaging demonstration of Chef Ocampo, “He was able to capture the interest of the audience,” she remarked.
It is humbling to witness how CHED takes interest in MCC’s initiatives to provide for and uplift its students. This fuels the college’s drive in creating more impactful programs and projects that will benefit both students and the community.
