At the pace of convenience, food is everywhere—from canned and packed goods to minute-cook consumables. These processed or ready-to-eat foods are still considered nutritious yet palatable. Little did one know, grocery aisle items are just one example of the many avenues where such foods are accessible—all products of Food Science and Technology or FST, as students call it.
A quiet history, FST in the Philippines only started during the late fifties when the country was met with challenges caused by import control. To keep up with the demands, the Food Technology program was first established in UP Diliman. Following almost a decade later, the program expanded to UP Los Baños. After a few more years, graduate students Oscar Diongco and Frisco Consolacion founded the Philippine Association of Food Technologists, Inc. – Beta Chapter (PAFT-BETA) along with the success of conducting a food trade fair in UPLB on November 26, 1976.
Throughout the 21st century, the Food Technology program in UPLB evolved into Food Science and Technology. Concurrently, PAFT-BETA continued to be an academic organization exclusive to FST students of the university. To commemorate the founding of the program and organization, an annual celebration is conducted every November. Different events are offered to the UPLB community to reach out and expand knowledge about FST through symposiums, contests, fairs, and more.
Food Science and Technology Week (FSTW) eventually turned into Food Science and Technology Month (FSTM). Over the years of celebration, the FST anniversary has remained dynamic, with different sets of events held annually. For this year’s theme, it is entitled “S49ANA: Nourishing Minds and Tables with Food Science and Technology.”
S49ANA (pronounced as “Sagana”) was conceptualized to imply the abundant scope of FST within the food systems that sustain the population. It aims to introduce the field to the public while marking the organization’s 49th year of foundation. Each event is expected to showcase how much more there is to learn about FST in creative and unique ways, reflecting the core theme.
Event Highlights:
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Inauguration and DRIFT Symposium (November 10, Monday)
The official opening of FSTM followed by the “Driving Ingenuity through Food Technology” (DRIFT) symposium, discussing the farm-to-table system, primary producers’ situations, and food safety technologies with invited resource speakers. -
FTST General QuizCon (November 13, Thursday)
The comeback of Food Trip, Sound Trip (FTST), a three-segment event for UPLB students to showcase their knowledge, wits, and endurance for exciting prizes. -
PAFTFex (November 19–20, Wednesday–Thursday)
A food trade fair and exhibition featuring products from local establishments and companies, highlighting diverse flavors and enriching audience knowledge. -
Open Tambayan (November 21, Friday)
A day of free food, giveaways, games, and performances celebrating the community spirit of FST. -
Alumni Homecoming (November 22, Saturday)
A night dedicated to alumni who sustained PAFT-BETA through the decades, celebrating leadership, camaraderie, and shared experiences. -
LIFT Outreach Program (November 23, Sunday)
For the first time, students will lead a food innovation session in Barangay Mayondon, teaching households how to make meat products for daily meals and livelihood.
As the organization enters its 49th year, PAFT-BETA aims to prepare for its golden year with events that bring together students, alumni, and the community in celebration of Food Science and Technology.
