Savor the Future: Equipping the Next Generation of Chefs

In a world where education extends beyond traditional classrooms, equipping students with practical skills is essential for their success.

Driven by a heartwarming initiative aimed at empowering students with essential culinary skills, the Rotary Club of Tagum Golden LACES (RCTGL) thru the District Grant of District 2790 and its sister club for 25 wonderful years, the Rotary Club of Noda Central, Chiba, Japan played a pivotal role in enhancing technical and livelihood education (TLE) at Magdum National High School (MNHS) by donating the following kitchen tools and equipment:

One (1) unit 6-plate stainless oven

One (1) unit 9-cubic double-door refrigerator 

Two (2) units 3-burner gas range

One (1) unit 9-cubic chiller

Three (3) units 750mL blenders

One (1) unit meat grinder

Various kitchen tools and baking supplies

RCTGL members during the turn-over of the donated kitchen equipment to Magdum National High School represented by PSDS Ricardo C. Remoreras on October 4, 2024.

This generous gesture not only equips these aspiring chefs with the tools they need to hone their craft but also opens doors to a world of creativity and possibilities.

According to the MNHS School Head Felannie Caasi, who spearheaded the request for these tools as part of the school’s School Improvement Plan (SIP) - “This equipment not only prepares learners to be skilled in baking but also helps them develop entrepreneurial mindsets. Being skilled in this field gives them a socio-economic edge as they are introduced to the business world.”

𝘼 𝙏𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚: 𝙁𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝘽𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙈𝙉𝙃𝙎 𝙎𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨

The project goes beyond simply providing equipment by offering hands-on baking sessions to complement the students' learning experience. Building on this momentum, RC Tagum Golden LACES organized a free Bread and Pastry Training conducted by Past President Marites Domingo fondly called by the students as “Chef Mating”, an anesthesiologist at Tagum Medical Center and health service officer at the University of Southeastern Philippines, who is also passionate about culinary education.

With the members of RC Noda Central, Chiba, Japan during their project visit on February 14, 2025 which coincided with the school’s Technology and Livelihood Education culminating activity. The activity was also graced by the Department of Education-Tagum City Division and Barangay Magdum Officials.

“It is a privilege to train and teach you the fundamentals of baking. These skills can assist students in developing a livelihood. It is indeed a blessing for your generation to be exposed to this type of learning,” Chef Mating expressed during the session.

RC Tagum Golden LACES President Maria Martha B. Conde also emphasized the lasting impact of this initiative - “This is more than just an educational activity—it’s an investment in their future. These skills will serve them well in special occasions, career opportunities, and entrepreneurship. We hope that MNHS students will always remember us as a partner in this meaningful endeavor.”

Through the combination of donated kitchen equipment and engaging baking sessions, this project not only enriches the students' educational journey but also instills in them a sense of empowerment and self-discovery. It cultivates a spirit of creativity, collaboration, and passion for the culinary arts, inspiring these young talents to dream big and pursue their aspirations with confidence.

𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝘼𝙗𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙎𝙚𝙡𝙛: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙇𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙘𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙀𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣

Through these initiatives, the Rotary Club of Tagum Golden LACES and the Rotary Club of Noda Central demonstrated its commitment to creating long-term, sustainable change in education. By providing essential equipment, facilitating hands-on training, and fostering strong community partnerships, Rotary ensures that students are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in further education, employment, or entrepreneurship.

Photos taken during the baking session conducted by Past President “Chef Mating” Domingo held on March 13, 2025. Together with Chef Mating was DGN Arlene Adlawan and President Marieth Conde.

The partnership between RC Tagum Golden LACES, RC Noda Central, and MNHS is a testament to Rotary’s mission of service, proving that empowering the youth with skills is one of the most impactful ways to build a stronger community.

“This justifies the adage, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ With access to proper equipment, students can now engage in hands-on learning, allowing them to master their skills,” remarked TLE Coordinator Romelie N. Abarquez.

As these students embark on their culinary adventures, supported by the generosity and vision of this project, they are poised to transform their love for cooking and baking into a rewarding and fulfilling career path, shaping a brighter future filled with endless possibilities in the world of food and hospitality.