Paghilom sa Pagkain Cook-off of the Center for Social Action (CSA) and School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management (SHRIM), De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, celebrated healing, compassion, and community through the power of food. The community engagement activity entails student and community partners from nearby barangays to work together to prepare dishes inspired by stories of resilience, hope, and shared nourishment. Rooted in the Filipino spirit of bayanihan, the cook-off highlighted how food can serve as a bridge for connection, sustainability, and social engagement. Participants showcased their creativity by using local ingredients and infusing meaning into every recipe they presented. More than a competition, Paghilom sa Pagkain stood as a reminder that food, when shared with love and purpose can heal, unite, and transform lives.
The main challenge for the cook-off was to recreate Meaty Potato Green Beans, with only a provided budget of ₱200 each, a recipe featured in Paghilom sa Pagkain a book distributed to the disadvantaged communities.
Authored and compiled by registered nutritionist-dietitian Dr. Teddy Manansala, the book was reprinted as a new edition by Tulong Lasalyano, a non-government organization that strives to improve children’s living conditions. It was imparted to the families through a program organized by De La Salle Philippines in collaboration with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Center for Social Action (CSA).
