MANILA, Philippines - Global Academy recently conferred culinary and business training to a community from Estero de Santibanez to help provide sustainable livelihood to participants.
Done in collaboration with Chef Him Uy de Baron and ABS-CBN Foundation Inc., which recently completed the rehabilitation of the estero through its Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig project, the training focused on recipes that can be prepared and sold to generate income.
Through demo and hands-on training held at its Timog branch, Global Academy taught project participants from the community how to prepare delicious meals and also provided them with the financial knowhow they need to ensure reliable returns for a small business.
“Global Academy believes in taking part in the betterment of our nation and its impoverished communities. As a culinary school, we have a responsibility to extend our expertise to provide what we do best – cooking training,” said Global Academy founder and president Benny Ledesma Jr.
Business development manager and instructor Chef Brando took charge of demonstrating the preparation of a pancit and soup recipe, along with other chefs who were more than willing to do their part to help the community: Chef Edward Bugia of Pino taught frying; Chef JA Ventura taught grilling; and Chefs Francis Rodriguez and Kristine Ondo of Raintree Restaurants taught rice and merienda, and dessert recipes, respectively.
Participants from Estero de Santibañez had their turn at cooking the next day and received training in calculating their expenses and income as they taste-tested their own meals. They will be handed training certificates at the estero as they open their food stalls.
“Global Academy hopes to continue giving back to the community as part of our corporate social responsibility,” added Ledesma.