In partnership with the North Philippine Union Conference, the Adventist University of the Philippines—Occupational Health and Safety Office, the Nutrition and Dietetics Department, and the Food Service—hosted its first cooking camp featuring a healthy plant-based diet on July 18-22, 2023.

“If you can pray, you can cook,” Eric Jan, Elann Reuth, Abigail Ruth Villavicencio, and Rowena Sandot introduced the motto of their ministry as the camp’s resource speakers. They highlighted the versatility of cooking without oil in the ingredients and showcased creative recipes that are both nutritious and delicious.

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The cooking camp drew 43 participants from the Baesa Adventist Academy, Banahaw View Academy, Concepcion Adventist Academy, Central Luzon Adventist Academy, Lipa Adventist Academy, Mountain Province Mission, Northern Luzon Adventist College, Northeast Luzon Adventist College, Philippine Publishing House, and Tirad View Academy. Notably, the AUP Food Service and the Food Factory personnel and children of the faculty and staff also participated.

“We can apply what we learned not only in the school, but we can also introduce it to our household,” Michelle Asis, one of the participants from Northeast Luzon Adventist College, stated. “We thanked the NPUC and the University for sharing this opportunity,” she concluded as the camp ended with promotion of a balanced and nutritious lifestyle as part of the University’s strategic aims. 

Aleli Gamaro, a participant from Lipa Adventist Academy, reflected: “Indeed, when we seek the Lord in prayer, He will guide our recipes according to His will.” She attested how the camp encouraged her to share the health message as a food service personnel.