Empowering the Next Generation: Ajinomoto’s 2024 Eat Well, Live Well Youth Summit Goes to Cebu

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) hosted the “Eat Well, Live Well: 2024 Youth Summit” at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel in Cebu City, marking a significant event dedicated to health, nutrition, and sustainability. With over 150 young Filipinos, educators, and advocates in attendance, the summit emphasized the importance of wellness and sustainable living.

The event featured a series of interactive sessions, insightful talks, and collaborative activities designed to equip the youth with the necessary knowledge and tools to impact their communities positively. APC Group President Koichi Ozaki shared the company’s vision for a healthier and more sustainable Philippines, highlighting their commitment to inspiring the younger generation.

“The mission of APC is to contribute to food and wellness to better lives of the future and we take it upon us to inspire the younger generations to become champions of a healthy and sustainable future,” said Mr. Ozaki. “Ajinomoto is here to make your eating experience happy, healthy and satisfying.”

Panel discussions with experts from the Department of Agriculture (DA), represented by Ms. Cheryl de la Victoria, Chief of Regional Agricultural and Fisheries Information Section, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), represented by Ms. Maria Victoria V. Abrera, Regional Director for Central Visayas, provided valuable insights into sustainable nutrition, waste reduction, and wellness practices. These discussions aimed to deepen the participants’ understanding of how small daily actions can lead to significant positive changes for both personal health and the environment.

Participants also engaged in hands-on activities, including a Youth-Led Output Activity, where they brainstormed and presented innovative ideas for living healthier and more eco-conscious lives. These activities reinforced Ajinomoto’s “Eat Well, Live Well” philosophy, encouraging the increase in vegetable consumption and minimizing food waste.

Breakout sessions offered students practical learning experiences, such as the science behind MSG and how to create delicious, nearly zero-waste vegetable dishes. The event concluded with a ceremonial pledge, with participants committing to advocate for healthier, more sustainable lifestyles within their communities.

Ajinomoto’s Eat Well, Live Well: 2024 Youth Summit aligns with the company’s global mission to extend healthy life expectancy and reduce environmental impact by 50% by 2030. Through initiatives like this, APC Group continues to inspire young Filipinos to become proactive leaders in health and environmental stewardship.

To further its advocacy, APC Group is also launching the Aji-Ginisa® I Love Veggie-licious School Caravan in Cebu, starting at Lahug Elementary School. This initiative aims to educate and encourage young generations about the importance of nutritious eating.