CHAMPIONS FOR A HEALTHIER PHILIPPINES. Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) executives join hands with officials from DepEd, DENR, and DA during the Eat Well, Live Well Youth Summit held in Tagaytay on January 31, 2026. The summit gathered 250 participants from CALABARZON to promote balanced nutrition and sustainable living.
(L-R): Mika Makino (APC Director); Bea Menorca-de Jesus (APC Nutritionist); Johnalen Aira S. Soberano (DepED);Ms. Eduarda Zapanta(DepED Supervisor); Kristoff Buyoc (APC Manager); Dr. Azucena Milana-Dayanghirang (Nutrition Expert); Koichi Ozaki (APC President); and Makoto Tanabe (APC Senior Vice President)
Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) reaffirmed its commitment to long-term social and environmental value creation at its recent Eat Well Live Well Youth Summit, which emphasized the importance of nutrition, sustainable practices and the power of the youth as agents of change.
The 2026 Youth Summit, held in Tagaytay for the CALABARZON youth put primary focus on a simple yet powerful philosophy: Eat Well, Live Well. In a world of convenience, Ajinomoto is challenging the youth to realize that the pleasure of eating should not come at the expense of health or the planet.
APC President Mr. Koichi Ozaki elaborated, “Ajinomoto is committed to building a network of Wellness Champions. The youth are the best influencers of their social circles and communities. When a student learns how to cook a “Veggielicious” meal or learns a mindful approach to food that minimizes waste and shares these with their loved ones and peers – that’s how we can spark change and create a healthier society.”
APC has brought the Youth Summit across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, engaging with students from different schools and communities. This was possible through the endorsement of national and regional offices of the Department of Education (DepEd) and support of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as well as Department of Agriculture (DA).
APC’s CALABARZON Youth Summit was attended by: DepEd Chief Education Supervisor of the Education Support Services Division Ms. Eduarda Zapanta; DepEd Region IV-A Nutritionist-Dietician II Ms. Johnalen Aira S. Soberano; DENR Regional Community Development Officer Mr. Elbert Basallote; DA OIC- Field Operations Head Mr. Felix Joselito H. Noceda; and former National Nutrition Council Deputy Executive Director Dr. Azucena Milana-Dayanghirang. All of them echoed the sentiment that the future of Philippine wellness lies in the hands of a nutritionally and environmentally conscious youth.
About 250 participants from public and private schools were immersed in insightful panel discussions and engaging learning activities. APC’s Nutrition Advancement team spearheaded interesting talks about the fifth basic taste, umami, as well as its efforts in promoting vegetable consumption and understanding how umami seasoning or MSG can make nutritious food more delicious.
APC’s Sustainability team, on the other hand, highlighted the Ajinomoto Group’s “Too Good To Waste” initiative that incorporated easy to follow tips on consuming food mindfully – from choosing to eat more vegetables to cooking them deliciously with umami and minimizing waste.
The summit culminated in a heartfelt Ceremonial Pledge, where students, teachers, and stakeholders expressed their commitment to the “Eat Well, Live Well” mission.
Closing the event, APC’s Sales, Marketing & Public Relations Director Mika Makino challenged the student delegates to be catalysts for change. “Today is the beginning of your journey as Champions,” Makino stated. By integrating these mindful habits into your daily lifestyle, you are not only improving your own well-being but are also leading the change toward a more sustainable Philippines.”
