In photo are Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) Chief Sustainability Officer Ernesto Carlos (middle); flanked by (L-R) DENR Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and International Affairs Jonas Leones; DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla, President of Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS) Jess Reyes; and DENR OIC Assistant Secretary for Environment and Concurrent Director of the Environmental Management Bureau Jacqueline Caancan.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) was recently honored with a Special Citation for Obliged Enterprises during the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) 2026 Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) Recognition Program: Celebrating Achievements and Milestones.

At the heart of this achievement is APC’s SariCycle® program, an innovative and flexible plastic waste collection initiative that empowers local micro-entrepreneurs, including Sari-Sari store owners, to take a leading role in the community in reducing plastic waste and pollution. This program enjoins small businesses into agents of environmental change as the joint efforts contribute to providing recycling centers with improved feedstock or materials that are clean, sorted and more suitable for processing.

To fuel this program, APC works closely with accredited partners, such as Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies (BEST) and the Quezon City Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department (QC CCESD).Through these partnerships, APC reaffirms its resolute dedication to sustainability by delivering initiatives that are impactful, collaborative, and inclusive.

As an FMCG company, this recognition by the DENR validates APC’s approach of embedding sustainability into the core of their operations and empowering communities to take action alongside the company. The award is a reminder that when businesses and communities work together, sustainability becomes not just a goal, but a shared achievement.

In addition, this recognition further reinforces APC’s 2030 Roadmap, which seeks to highly reduce its environmental impact by 50%–all while extending 1 billion people’s healthy life expectancy.

Beyond regulatory compliance, APC believes that sustainability drives healthier environments, empowered micro-enterpreneurs, and stronger local economies. The company also sets the standard for responsible business practices in the country by demonstrating that corporate leadership and national progress can go hand in hand.

CHAMPIONS FOR A HEALTHIER PHILIPPINES. Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) executives join hands with officials from DepEd, DENR, and DA during the Eat Well, Live Well Youth Summit held in Tagaytay on January 31, 2026. The summit gathered 250 participants from CALABARZON to promote balanced nutrition and sustainable living.
(L-R): Mika Makino (APC Director); Bea Menorca-de Jesus (APC Nutritionist);  Johnalen Aira S. Soberano (DepED); Ms. Eduarda Zapanta (DepED Supervisor); Kristoff Buyoc (APC Manager); Dr. Azucena Milana-Dayanghirang (Nutrition Expert); Koichi Ozaki (APC President); and Makoto Tanabe (APC Senior Vice President)

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) reaffirmed its commitment to long-term social and environmental value creation at its recent Eat Well Live Well Youth Summit, which emphasized the importance of nutrition, sustainable practices and the power of the youth as agents of change. The 2026 Youth Summit, held in Tagaytay for the CALABARZON youth put primary focus on a simple yet powerful philosophy: Eat Well, Live Well. In a world of convenience, Ajinomoto is challenging the youth to realize that the pleasure of eating should not come at the expense of health or the planet. 

APC President Mr. Koichi Ozaki elaborated, “Ajinomoto is committed to building a network of Wellness Champions. The youth are the best influencers of their social circles and communities. When a student learns how to cook a “Veggielicious” meal or learns a mindful approach to food that minimizes waste and shares these with their loved ones and peers - that’s how we can spark change and create a healthier society.” 

APC has brought the Youth Summit across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, engaging with students from different schools and communities. This was possible through the endorsement of national and regional offices of the Department of Education (DepEd) and support of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as well as Department of Agriculture (DA). 

APC’s CALABARZON Youth Summit was attended by: DepEd Chief Education Supervisor of the Education Support Services Division Ms. Eduarda Zapanta; DepEd Region IV-A Nutritionist-Dietician II Ms. Johnalen Aira S. Soberano; DENR Regional Community Development Officer Mr. Elbert Basallote; DA OIC- Field Operations Head Mr. Felix Joselito H. Noceda; and former National Nutrition Council Deputy Executive Director Dr. Azucena Milana-Dayanghirang. All of them echoed the sentiment that the future of Philippine wellness lies in the hands of a nutritionally and environmentally conscious youth. 

About 250 participants from public and private schools were immersed in insightful panel discussions and engaging learning activities. APC’s Nutrition Advancement team spearheaded interesting talks about the fifth basic taste, umami, as well as its efforts in promoting vegetable consumption and understanding how umami seasoning or MSG can make nutritious food more delicious. 

 

APC’s Sustainability team, on the other hand, highlighted the Ajinomoto Group’s “Too Good To Waste” initiative that incorporated easy to follow tips on consuming food mindfully - from choosing to eat more vegetables to cooking them deliciously with umami and minimizing waste. 

The summit culminated in a heartfelt Ceremonial Pledge, where students, teachers, and stakeholders expressed their commitment to the “Eat Well, Live Well” mission. 

Closing the event, APC’s Sales, Marketing & Public Relations Director Mika Makino challenged the student delegates to be catalysts for change. “Today is the beginning of your journey as Champions,” 

 Makino stated. By integrating these mindful habits into your daily lifestyle, you are not only improving your own well-being but are also leading the change toward a more sustainable Philippines.”

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) reaffirms its commitment to championing Filipinos’ competency in the sciences by supporting academically outstanding students aspiring to pursue postgraduate studies in Japan and require financial assistance.

APC announces that applications are now open for the 2027 Ajinomoto Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship Grant, a program that provides deserving candidates the opportunity to take up master’s-level studies in Food Science and Technology, Human Nutrition, Chemistry, or Engineering at partner schools including: University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Nagoya University, Institute of Science Tokyo, Ochanomizu University, Waseda University, and Japan Nutrition University (formerly Kagawa Nutrition University).

The successful applicant who will meet the program’s qualifications and requirements will receive comprehensive support and access to valuable benefits designed to help them thrive in their postgraduate journey. These include full coverage of examination, admission and tuition fees; full coverage of medical exam, psychological exam and Japanese language training before going to Japan; as well as a monthly allowances. The scholar’s airfare from the Philippines going to Japan will also be covered.

With a renowned education system known for high academic standards, Japan continues to attract numerous students from around the world. According to the 2024 survey of Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), there are about 336,708 international students in Japan, and 58,215 of them enrolled in graduate studies. Data from the JASSO 2022 Career Status Progress Survey shows that a significant number of international graduates get hired in Japan after their studies. 

According to APC Director for Marketing, Sales & Public Relations, Mika Makino, the continued support and investment to the Ajinomoto Scholarship Foundation is anchored on the company’s mission to contribute to the wellbeing of people, society, and planet. She elaborated, “We believe that a world-class postgraduate education in Japan empowers scholars personally and professionally. The scholarship is an advantageous pathway to career advancement and global mobility. It is our hope that with advanced knowledge and training, the scholars will also be able to contribute to developing solutions for helping people Eat Well, Live Well.”

Since the Ajinomoto Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship Grant was offered in the Philippines in 2010, fifteen (15) full scholarship grants to different universities in Japan have already been awarded to deserving Filipino students.

APC encourages applicants to seize the opportunity to level up their education and careers. To know the full requirements and application process,

visithttps://www.ajinomoto.com.ph/whats-new-archive/2027-ajinomoto-foundation-postgraduate-scholarship-grant/. The deadline for sending applications is March 2, 2026.