Rewarding and recognizing personnel can have a positive impact on work performance and productivity. With this, CHE focused its spotlight on its outstanding personnel and research and extension projects as one of the highlights of its 50th-anniversary celebration on November 22, 2024. 

Outstanding Teachers

Dr. Edgar M. Reyes Jr., a licensed environmental planner, is a distinguished and pioneering figure in environmental education and a dedicated mentor to many students. In the classroom, Reyes employs interactive and discussion-based teaching methods, encouraging students to think critically and develop innovative solutions. 

His care and mentorship are well-recognized by his students, who feel that they motivate them to excel academically and professionally in environmental planning. During his tenure as department head, he successfully led the development and approval of the Graduate Diploma in Environmental Planning and Master of Arts in Environmental Planning.

John Ceffrey Eligue is a dedicated teacher and accomplished environmental planner. In the classroom, his teaching approach emphasizes active learning, integrating case studies, and conducting collaborative projects to enhance student engagement.

He is a supportive and approachable mentor who creates a dynamic classroom environment where students feel valued and motivated to contribute. As the head of the Instruction and Curriculum Committee for several years now, he has contributed to developing the two newly approved graduate programs based at CHE: the Graduate Diploma in Environmental Planning and the Master of Arts in Environmental Planning.

Dr. Marie Faye Nguyen-Orca, associate dean of CHE,is a food technologist with a strong background in food safety and culinary arts. She is known for her approachable and encouraging demeanor.

She fosters supportive relationships with her students and guides them to explore innovative food safety and technology solutions. Her teaching style combines hands-on demonstrations with industry insights, enabling students to connect theoretical concepts with practical applications.

Assistant Professor Ann C. Cayetano is a registered nutritionist-dietitian known for her dedication to teaching. Her methods emphasize real-life relevance, combining evidence-based nutrition practices with interactive learning activities that engage and motivate students.

Students appreciate her clarity, patience, and ability to create a collaborative environment where they feel inspired to excel. Cayetano’s genuine interest in her students’ academic success has cemented her reputation as a transformative teacher and mentor in the field of nutrition and dietetics. She heads the Nutritional Sciences Division of the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food.

Outstanding Researcher and Research Project

Dr. Emilia S. Visco, CHE Outstanding Researcher (Senior Faculty). Shehas been a professor at the Department of Social Development Services of the College of Human Ecology since 2006. Dr. Visco’s interest in public service and research revolves around social development and social impact assessment.

As a senior researcher, she plays an important role in mentoring young researchers and early academics, particularly in research and publishing.  Her no-nonsense and direct approach to mentorship and project management have led to impactful publications such as the first Compendium of CHE Researches and the completion of the Science and Technology Community-based Program for Inclusive Development (STC4iD) now adopted by PCAARRD to strengthen the extension and community engagement approaches of SUCs.

Assistant Professor Ann C. Cayetano, CHE Outstanding Researcher (Junior Faculty). Cayetanohas made significant strides in research within just three years of service, contributing to both local and international publications, securing substantial funding, and earning multiple awards, including first place in the National FLExPHD App Development Competition. She also serves several research projects in various capacities from project staff to project leader.

Her research spans vital areas, including malnutrition, food insecurity, sports nutrition, and supplementary feeding. She reviews for reputable journals, fosters 11 partnerships with local and international institutions, and mentors students who have presented their thesis works globally.

She was honored with the UP Hayag Pagpupugay sa Lingkod Bayan Award and recognition for best research papers and presentations.

Diana A. Torio, CHE Outstanding Researcher (REPS Category). Torio has been a critical force in the research productivity of the Department of Social Development Services of CHE. She has helped package numerous research proposals from technical and financial development to implementation and completion.

Torio has also mentored research assistants and worked closely with other researchers in producing publications and other research outputs such as policy briefs, technical reports, and copyrighted documents.

The Development of Nixtamalized Philippine Corn for Food, Health, and Nutrition, funded by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research, aims to maximize the nutritional value of corn through an eco-friendly nixtamalization method. Nixtamalization is a process in which dried corn kernels are boiled in water containing lime, steeped overnight, washed, dried, and ground into flour.

The elevated pH and high temperature during nixtamalization soften the endosperm and enable the release of the corn seed’s pericarp. The process improves the quality and bioavailability of essential nutrients in corn, such as niacin, riboflavin, and lysine, and minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc.

The research aligns with the university’s focus on food security and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger) and 3 (Good Health and Well-being). It has been published in five articles in ISI-indexed journals, received five international publication awards, presented at various conferences, and shared through a seminar in Los Baños.

Outstanding Extension Personnel

Outstanding Extension Personnel (Junior Faculty)

Ron Jay P. Dangcalan, recipient of the Outstanding Extension Personnel (Junior Faculty) Award.  He chairs the Strategic Partnerships Committee of CHE. He is a political economist by training and a human ecologist by practice.

Dangcalan coordinates the Philippine Human Ecology Consortium (PHEC).  He engages in collaborative initiatives to strengthen the theory and practice of human ecology in the country. He has served as project staff, study leader, or project leader in over 30 extension and research projects funded by international development organizations, national government agencies, private sector, and civil society organizations.

Dr. Liezl M. Atienza, Outstanding Extension Personnel (Senior Faculty)

Dr. Atienza, director of the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food, has actively advocated for Trans Fat-free Philippines by conducting lecture sessions and serving as a resource person in senate hearings. Also, Dr. Atienza was the lead proponent of the recently launched Master in Clinical Nutrition in 2022.

She aims to continue serving the college, university, and communities. Her current work involves the lactation station of the College of Human Ecology, launching OH WAW (Optimizing Health and Wellness at Work ) and the UPLB Dunong Program.

Outstanding Extension Personnel (REPS)

Pamela A. Gonzales is the assistant program leader of the Barangay Integrated Development for Nutrition Improvement (BIDANI) Network Program, CHE’s flagship extension program.

Gonzales coordinates the network of state universities and colleges (SUCs) associated with the program. She has also contributed to academic research, co-authoring multiple research papers on community development and community nutrition. She spearheads BIDANI, coordinating with local government units to implement the BIDANI strategy and ensure the advancement of nutrition in development.

Outstanding Administrative Personnel Award

(Blue Collar Category)

Dante DC. Rasgo, Outstanding Administrative Personnel, Blue Collar Category, works at the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food of CHE. According to him, his dependability and productivity as a laboratory assistant and custodian stem from his dedication to his work.

(Office Staff Category) Ryan L. Villaran has worked at the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food of CHE since 2021.  His excellence in time management and his composure during deadlines and when under pressure make him a reliable and dependable worker.