Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Central Mindanao University highlighted the celebration of Filipino Food Month 2025 during the monthly convocation on April 7, 2025, at the University Convention Center.
The event’s highlight was a talk by Ms. Dawn Fatima S. Cuevas, an instructor at the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Human Ecology. She shared the background of Filipino Food Month and its importance in promoting and preserving Filipino cuisine. She emphasized that this year’s theme, “Sarap ng Pagkaing Pilipino: Yaman ng Ating Kasaysayan, Kultura, at Pagkatao,” celebrates the richness of our history and culture through food.
“Food is not just something that we eat. It represents our culture. It represents the resilience of our ancestors,” Ms. Cuevas said.
She also discussed how globalization and increased access to international food options have shifted Filipino dietary patterns.
“Because of the increase of accessibility of food from different countries, we are now transitioning to a different dietary pattern,” Ms. Cuevas added.
Ms. Cuevas pointed out that this shift is also influenced by income growth and urbanization, which have contributed to rising food insecurity and greater dependence on processed foods. This, in turn, has led to growing cases of nutrition-related health issues such as hypertension and diabetes.
However, she clarified that processed food should not be demonized, advocating instead for the MOVABA principle—Moderation, Variety, and Balance—as a practical approach to healthy eating.
Aside from the lecture, the convocation also honored select faculty researchers for their recent publications. Recognition was likewise given to the members of the university’s Water Permit Working Committee for their contributions. Additionally, the newly elected officers of the Central Mindanao University Employees Association Inc. (CMUEAI) took their oath of office.
Capping off the event was the ceremonial turnover of the EQUATE (Excellence in Quality Assurance in Teacher Education) Award from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to the College of Education. [Johnica Chantal G. Montero]
