University of Luzon Culinary Students Secure Gold Medal at Prestigious Regional Skills Exposition

The University of Luzon (UL) has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to excellence in the hospitality sector, celebrating a major victory at the highly competitive DAYEW 2025: Pangasinan Province Tourism Skills Exposition. The university’s College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (ULCHTM) secured the top honour, bagging the coveted Gold Medal Award in the demanding Pangasinan Cuisine Cooking Challenge. This notable success reaffirms ULCHTM’s position as a premier institution for culinary and tourism education in the region.

The Gold Medal was earned by a dedicated team of talented Luzonians who showcased exceptional culinary artistry, deep knowledge of local gastronomy, and remarkable presentation prowess. Their victory is a powerful testament to the rigorous training they undergo, their inherent passion for their craft, and their exemplary teamwork, qualities that collectively set a high benchmark for excellence within the province’s tourism and culinary training programs. This repeated demonstration of aptitude confirms their promising trajectory toward professional success in the expansive global hospitality and culinary landscape, reinforcing the department’s vision of progressing “from local roots to global routes.”

This triumphant outcome would not have been possible without the institutional commitment and focused guidance provided by the UL leadership and faculty. The University of Luzon administration, led by the esteemed President Dr. Luis M. Samson Jr., has been unwavering in its support, providing the essential resources and environment necessary for such high-level competitive performance. Special recognition is also extended to the beloved mentors, Dr. Carmelo John E. Vidal, and the ever-supportive Dean of ULCHTM, Dr. Amalia G. Dela Cruz, whose dedicated mentorship and persistent encouragement continue to be the foundational pillars of student achievement and success. The collective effort highlights a culture of excellence and a dedication to nurturing students destined for leadership roles in their chosen field.

This achievement strongly aligns with several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By focusing on the specialized acquisition of professional skills and fostering competitive success in a high-growth sector, the University of Luzon directly contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education), ensuring that its Luzonians receive inclusive, equitable, and relevant learning opportunities essential for future employment. Furthermore, the dedication to developing careers in the tourism industry and promoting local culture through the rigorous culinary challenge supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by generating sustainable employment and championing the value of local resources and heritage. Finally, the emphasis on the preservation and elevation of Pangasinan’s rich gastronomic identity through such events actively supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), advancing efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural heritage and promote cultural diversity.