CITHM celebrates native cuisine, traditional attire in National Heritage Month activity

The College of International Hospitality and Tourism Management of Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation spearheaded the celebration of Kasuotang Filipino at Natatanging Pagkaing Filipino on May 7, as part of the University’s observance of National Heritage Month.

The activity highlighted Filipino culture through native cuisine, traditional attire, music and cultural presentations, reflecting the richness and diversity of Philippine heritage.

Under the leadership of CITHM Dean Dr. Maricel Dañez Herrera, the celebration gathered students, faculty members and guests in a showcase of Filipino identity and tradition.

Featured during the event was a culinary presentation by third-year Culinary Management students under Catering Class No. 79 and the Enverga Cuisineros supervised by Chef Reinhold Cerillo. The showcase featured traditional Filipino dishes that reflected regional flavors and culinary heritage.

First-year students taking HTM 104 – Kitchen Essential and Food Preparation classes under Chef Patrick William Nagares also participated by demonstrating their developing culinary skills and appreciation for Filipino food traditions.

Meanwhile, selected fourth-year Tourism students under the supervision of Ms. Roseanne Reyes managed the Kasuotang Filipino presentation and program coordination. Students showcased traditional Filipino attire representing various regions and cultural influences across the country.

The select tourism students demonstrated the traditional “Tagay Po” of Quezon Province, while the Banyuhay Dance Troupe displayed the different native attires from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. 

Vice President for External Relations Celso Jaballa emphasized the significance of preserving Filipino heritage through culture, cuisine and tradition.

“Traditional attire and Filipino cuisine are more than garments and food—they are living symbols of the nation’s history, creativity, identity and way of life,” VP Jaballa said.

He added that activities like the celebration allow students to appreciate their Filipino identity while embracing the responsibility of preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

Also present during the program were Vice President for Finance and Treasurer Carlito Rodriguez and Assistant to the President Amelia de los Reyes.

The celebration formed part of the University’s National Heritage Month observance anchored on the theme “Roots and Horizons: Our Shared Heritage, Our Collective Future.”

---

The activity reflected the University’s core values of Mindfulness, Unity and Excellence by promoting cultural appreciation, creativity and shared national identity. It also supported experiential learning by allowing students to actively engage in hospitality, tourism and cultural preservation initiatives.

• SDG 4 – Quality Education: The activity promoted experiential and culture-based learning opportunities for students.
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Preserving Filipino heritage and traditions supports cultural sustainability.
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Collaboration among academic units, cultural groups and university leaders strengthened heritage advocacy efforts.