Working to Make the Philippines More Nutritious and Sustainable

At the media forum Eat Well, Live Well Towards a Better Tomorrow, held on September 20, 2023 at Shangri-La The Fort, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) discussed their vision for the Philippines.

The 65th anniversary celebration of the corporation included the event, which was hosted by multi-hyphenate power mom Iya Villania Arellano. It highlighted how APC hopes to continue to be a vital ally of Filipinos for many more years to come by encouraging sustainable living and good nutrition. I really do like it because we learned from them. They teach us how to properly manage a healthy lifestyle without compromising our wants to eat delectable meals. It is also beneficial because they give us insight for those in a diet to know what to eat properly and to know the right seasoning for food.

The Ajinomoto Group has expanded to become the world’s largest manufacturer of amino acids with operations situated in 36 countries and regions worldwide thanks to the discovery of umami, the fifth basic taste, which paved the way for the production of AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning in 1909.

Its first landing in the Philippines was in 1958 and since then, the company has become a staple in Filipino household kitchen making delicious meals with products such as such as Ajinomoto Ginisa Flavor Seasoning Mix, Crispy Fry® breading mix, and Sarsaya® oyster sauce to name a few. Leveraging its amino science expertise, Ajinomoto has helped hundreds of thousands of Filipinos cook more flavorful—and more nutritious—meals.

“Since the discovery of umami, the journey of Ajinomoto Group to contribute to the well-being of society has begun.The original aspiration captured with our corporate slogan “Eat Well, Live Well” remains true to present times.”, shared by APC President Koichi Ozaki.

One highlight of the event was the “The Umami Experience” where media guests were treated to a sensorial sampling of umami-rich foods to appreciate its difference from the other basic tastes like sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.  

In line with Philippines nutrition challenges, which was the focal message of keynote speaker Miss Eloisa Villaraza, Nutritionist-Dieticians Association of the Philippines (NDAP) president, a fireside talk on power of nutrition followed suit.  This was participated by Dr. Jansen Calalan – lifestyle medical doctor, Debbie Fajarda RND – registered nutritionist-dietician and APC Nutrition Advancement Manager,  Roann Co – APC General Manager for Corporate Planning and Public Relations and Chef Sau del Rosario – renown chef.

Opening the segment on sustainability was a special message from Mr. Crispian Lao, President of the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS).  This was followed by presentation from APC Chief Sustainability Officer Ernie Carlos detailing APC’s roadmap towards more environmentally responsible practices.

“As the global movement towards sustainable and equitable development accelerates, companies are faced with the challenge of adopting their own sustainable initiatives. At APC, guided by the Ajinomoto Group Creating Shared Values ASV) Principles, we see this as an opportunity to foster environmental stewardship among Filipinos in order to build sustainable communities.” – shared by E. Carlos.

The head of APC Research and Development Department Madelin Dofiles gave a presentation to wrap up the event on the special value of Ajinomoto’s technology in terms of food ingredients helping to enhance the food industry’s health and wellness and sustainable procurement.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation has firmly established itself in Filipino culture by serving as a reliable kitchen companion for 65 years. APC is laying the groundwork for even more successful years to come with new initiatives planned to assist Filipinos in living in healthier environments and improving their nutritional well-being.