🌟 Highlight from FIA Member's Day in Singapore! 🌟

On November 15, 2025, the Philippine Association of Food Technologists (PAFT) was represented in a dynamic panel discussion titled "Food Technologists' Take on the Concept of Ultra-Processed Food and the Role of Food Processing" during the FIA Member's Day in Singapore.

The panel featured experts from India, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, sharing insights on the controversial concept of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). The discussion underscored the confusion and misconceptions surrounding UPFs, their impact on food culture, and the critical role of food processing in delivering safe, nutritious, and sustainable foods.

The event highlighted the need to refine the UPF concept and foster collaboration among ASEAN food scientists to support a balanced, evidence-based perspective on food systems.

A heartfelt thank you to the Food Industry Asia (FIA) for the invitation and for organizing such a meaningful platform for dialogue and collaboration. 

Stay tuned for more updates on PAFT's participation in key international events! 🌏

The Philippine Association of Food Technologists, Inc. (PAFT) proudly participated in the 22nd World Congress of Food Science and Technology (World Food Congress) held in Rimini, Italy, from September 8-12, 2024. This global gathering provided a platform for leaders in food science and technology to address the future of food systems, sustainability, and innovation.

1. Pre-Congress Workshop: Youth Action in Addressing Future Food System Challenges

A Pre-Congress workshop was organized by the College of Early Career Scientists (CECS), titled "Youth Action in Addressing Future Food System Challenges." The workshop, co-led by PAFT member Dr. Elizabeth Arenas, Co-Chair of the CECS, brought together young and early career scientists to explore the unique expertise, skills, and values that the next generation of professionals bring to the food industry. Participants engaged in brainstorming actionable initiatives to forecast and address the pressing challenges of future food systems. The workshop successfully fostered collaboration and ignited new ideas among the young attendees.

2. FIFSTA Session: Cultivating the Future – Advancing Undergraduate Education in Food Science and Technology in the ASEAN for Sustainable Development

PAFT was a key participant in the FIFSTA session, "Cultivating the Future: Advancing Undergraduate Education in Food Science and Technology in the ASEAN for Sustainable Development." This session featured enlightening presentations from representatives of five ASEAN countries: the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. The session provided a unique insight into innovative educational strategies, curriculum development, and the integration of sustainable practices and cutting-edge technology in food science education across the region.

Two prominent PAFT speakers shared their expertise during this session:

• Prof. Maria Leonora Lotis dL. Francisco, PhD, CFS, IAFoST Fellow, Vice President-External of PAFT, presented on "The Philippines’ Journey in Elevating Undergraduate Education in Food Science for Sustainable Innovation," highlighting the country's advancements in food technology education and sustainable practices.

• Ms. Julieta G. Austria, President of PAFT, delivered an engaging presentation on "Integrating Digital Innovations in Food Safety and Quality: Educating for a Sustainable Future," which explored the integration of digital innovations in food safety and quality education.

3. PAFT’s Attendance at the IUFoST General Assembly

As the adhering body of the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST), PAFT was honored to attend the IUFoST General Assembly held on September 12, 2024. This assembly facilitated discussions on future directions and global collaborations within the food science community, further aligning PAFT with international initiatives aimed at enhancing food technology education and research.

4. Philippine Success at the IUFoST Global Food Industry Award

In a moment of great pride, the Philippine entry by Blue Macay Food Manufacturing Corporation won the IUFoST Global Food Industry Award for Packaging Innovation and Most Innovative Ingredient. This prestigious award celebrates creativity and excellence in food product innovation, particularly in the areas of packaging design, sustainability, and ingredient innovation. Blue Macay’s innovative packaging and sustainable ingredient development aligned perfectly with the Congress theme, "Future of Food – Innovation, Sustainability & Health."

The awards recognized:

• Product and process innovation, including industrialization of traditional foods

• Packaging innovation, highlighting its importance in sustainability and consumer impact

• Efforts in global food and process sustainability

• Science communication aimed at improving consumer lifestyles and health

PAFT’s participation in the World Food Congress was a testament to its commitment to advancing food science, education, and sustainable food systems not only in the Philippines but also across the ASEAN region. We look forward to building on these achievements and continuing our work in shaping the future of food.

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Dr. Miflora Gatchalian, or Dr. May, a pioneer in the field of food technology in the Philippines, is the founder of the Philippine Association of Food Technologists, Inc. Since the 1960s, she and her colleagues have been advocating for the recognition and licensing of food technologists in the country. In 2024, she was officially granted the Professional Food Technologist title, solidifying her contributions to the profession. Dr. Gatchalian's tireless efforts and significant contributions to the advancement of food technology in the Philippines have been instrumental in shaping the profession. Her recognition as the Most Outstanding Professional Food Technologist is a fitting tribute to her lifetime of dedication and excellence. She truly deserves this prestigious award.