Mr. Jester M. Magbanua, (Faculty Member, SBAHM – Hospitality Management), was selected as one of the twenty (20) Philippine Delegates to the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS 2022) Programme by the National Youth Commission (Office of the President) and the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE). He is the lone delegate from Cagayan Valley Region.
This year’s theme focused on Food Safety, where the participants immersed in Tokyo and Fukishima, Japan on February 14-21, 2023. Mr. Magbanua hurdled a rigorous screening process which includes review and evaluation of the courses undertaken, experiences, exposures, and passion for food safety, sanitation, and hygiene practices.
The eight-day program started with a culinary institution visit at Shijuku Culinary College. The delegates were exposed to various cooking food preparations by Japanese chefs and cooks. They also went to Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology for an educational tour. Moreover, the participants also attended a lecture by Professor Matsumoto Takashi on Food Safety in Japan, particularly the processes of production, distribution, and consumption of goods to prevent hazards and risks in line with the principle of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), a management system used by Japanese food companies. Furthermore, they also went to Japan Cooking Art Academy, and they were taught of the basic cooking methods of Japanese rice and soups. The delegates were also given opportunity to visit popular attractions and shops in Japan such as Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine in Harajuku, Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama, Yamatogawa Sake Brewery and Wakaki Shop in Fukushima.
The JENESYS Programme is an exchange project initiated by the Government of Japan to strengthen people-to-people connections among the youths in Japan and Southeast Asia. The programme is open to high school students, university students or young professionals, depending on the theme of the exchange.
