(L-R) Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) Senior Vice President Makoto Tanabe, APC Chief Sustainability Officer Ernie Carlos, ACEN Senior Account Manager Elisah Cabato, APC President Koichi Ozaki, APF Bulacan Factory Director Juanito Ramos Jr. and APF Bulacan Factory Manager Kei Tanigawa.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) continues to be one of the industry forerunners when it comes to advocating for mitigating plastic waste and reducing its carbon footprint. Over the years, the Ajinomoto Group has been launching and introducing initiatives dedicated for environmental causes, and APC has been following suit with this movement that hopefully, will prepare the future generations for a greener and more sustainable future.

Just this year, APC launched the SariCycle™ Program with the Quezon City Local Government and Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies (BEST) Incorporated. This program allows for an incentivized model of community initiative that mitigates single-use plastic waste and encourages everyone in the community to take part as custodians of the environment. Since its launch in January 2024, the SariCycle™ Program was able to on-board 359 sari-sari stores in Quezon City and was already able to collect more than 1,000 kilograms of single-use plastics within just 3 months of operation. The program provides incentives to supplement the livelihoods of its store partners, dubbed “SariCyclers”, in the form of Ajinomoto product bundles and Environmental Points (EPs) which can be spent as cash in participating merchants.

Following this was the official signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between APC and ACEN RES. Back in 2022, a 1MW-peak capacity Solar Rooftop installation on the APF Bulacan Factory comprised of more 2,000 solar panels was energized, effectively reducing its annual carbon footprint from electricity consumption by 18%.Today, APF Bulacan is running on 100% renewable energy. Since January of 2024, the APF Bulacan Factory has saved around Php 2,000,000 in electrical expenses and has reduced their monthly carbon footprint by ~95% by transitioning to full renewable energy. To commemorate the turnout of these efforts, APC and ACEN conducted a Badge Turnover Ceremony. APC was one of the first companies to receive the new generation of ACEN Renewable Energy Badge – awarded to partner facilities who are supplied with 100% renewable energy.

The AjiPanda Diner at Ajinomoto Philippines Flavor Food, Inc. or APF Bulacan Factory.

Aside from being a beacon of sustainability, the APF Bulacan Factory also boasts of its newly opened canteen that serves healthy and good food! At the official opening of the “AjiPanda Diner”, a factory tour was also conducted for some of Ajinomoto Philippines’ invited guests from the media. The group were first given a brief history of Ajinomoto, an orientation on the factory dresscode, safety precautions and the proper conduct during the tour before heading to each station at the factory. The tour was concluded with a lunch buffet highlighting Filipino dishes we all grew up loving like Chicken Tinola, Pork Adobo and Chopsuey, all thoughtfully cooked using Ajinomoto products.

Ajinomoto Philippines’ media guests are all suit up at the Production Area during their factory tour at APF Bulacan.

Aside from the cozy and relaxing ambiance at the AjiPanda Diner, all employees at the Bulacan Factory also enjoy free vegetable dishes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday as part of APC Group’s Workplace Nutrition Program. True to its name “AjiPanda Diner” the canteen shares the wholesome Ajinomoto experience through culinary service, not just for its employees, but also for factory visitors. Within the complex, employees and visitors can feast their eyes on an array of sumptuous dishes cooked with Ajinomoto products to ensure that every meal is served with quality and the best flavors!

ONE TEAM. All smiles under the scorching heat at the façade of APF Bulacan’s newly opened AjiPanda Diner.

Looking back at these milestones, APC is honored to share that their commitment to achieving their goals for sustainability based on their 2030 Roadmap remains as resolute as they have always been. Projects launched over the years by APC continue to adapt and evolve according to the needs of the Filipino community but remain to serve its ultimate purpose of taking care of the environment where everyone can truly Eat Well, and Live Well, through the Ajinomoto way of life.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) shared their vision for the Philippines’ at Eat Well, Live Well Towards a Better Tomorrow, a media forum held last September 20, 2023 at Shangri-La The Fort.

The event, hosted by multi-hyphenate power mom Iya Villania Arellano, was held as part of the company’s 65th anniversary celebration and brought to light how APC aims to be a significant ally of Filipinos for many more decades to come in terms of advancing proper nutrition and sustainability.

From the discovery of umami – the fifth basic taste which paved the launched on AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning in 1909, the Ajinomoto Group has grown to be the word’s leading maker of amino acids with operation based 36 countries and regions worldwide.

Its first landing in the Philippines was in 1958 and since then, the company has become a staple in Filipino household kitchen making delicious meals with products such as such as Ajinomoto Ginisa Flavor Seasoning Mix, Crispy Fry® breading mix, and Sarsaya® oyster sauce to name a few. Leveraging its amino science expertise, Ajinomoto has helped hundreds of thousands of Filipinos cook more flavorful—and more nutritious—meals.

“Since the discovery of umami, the journey of Ajinomoto Group to contribute to the well-being of society has begun.The original aspiration captured with our corporate slogan “Eat Well, Live Well” remains true to present times.”, shared by APC President Koichi Ozaki.

Mr. Koichi Ozaki, APC President

One highlight of the event was the “The Umami Experience” where media guests were treated to a sensorial sampling of umami-rich foods to appreciate its difference from the other basic tastes like sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.

In line with Philippines nutrition challenges, which was the focal message of keynote speaker Miss Eloisa Villaraza, Nutritionist-Dieticians Association of the Philippines (NDAP) president, a fireside talk on power of nutrition followed suit. This was participated by Dr. Jansen Calalan – lifestyle medical doctor, Debbie Fajarda RND – registered nutritionist-dietician and APC Nutrition Advancement Manager, Roann Co – APC General Manager for Corporate Planning and Public Relations and Chef Sau del Rosario – renown chef.

Opening the segment on sustainability was a special message from Mr. Crispian Lao, President of the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS). This was followed by presentation from APC Chief Sustainability Officer Ernie Carlos detailing APC’s roadmap towards more environmentally responsible practices.

“As the global movement towards sustainable and equitable development accelerates, companies are faced with the challenge of adopting their own sustainable initiatives. At APC, guided by the Ajinomoto Group Creating Shared Values ASV) Principles, we see this as an opportunity to foster environmental stewardship among Filipinos in order to build sustainable communities.” – shared by E. Carlos.

Closing out the forum was a presentation by APC Research and Development Department Head Madelin Dofiles on the unique value of Ajinomoto’s technology in terms of food ingredients contributing to the advancement of food industry’s health and wellness and sustainable procurement.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation has cemented its place in Filipino lives by being a trusted partner in our kitchens for 65 years. With new plans coming up to help Filipinos not only achieve better health through nutrition, but also live in a healthier environment, APC is setting the stage for even stronger years to follow.

Filipinos have taken the necessary steps to strengthen their immunity during this time of pandemic, like having regular workouts to keep the body active and taking vitamins and supplements for an added layer of protection.

A big part of staying in great shape and achieving a stronger immune system is having a balanced diet. With this, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation would like to help Pinoys in their health and fitness goals by sharing simple recipes that promote eating nutritious and delicious meals without compromising their budget and time.

“Most home cooks are stressed and running out of ideas on what meals to prepare. We cooked up new recipes that you can try to add variety to the food that you consume and serve to your family. Make the most out of every meal time with these nutritious dishes!,” says Deborah S. Fajarda, RND, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation’s Science Communication Executive.

Here are four nourishing yet sumptuous and easy-to-do recipes that will strengthen every Juan’s immune system:

Vegetable Kebab with Grilled Chicken

Take a break from the usual barbecue with this mouth-watering vegetable kebab with grilled chicken dish. Enjoy the benefits of fiber-rich veggies like zucchini and corn that can aid in digestion paired with chicken breast marinated with SARSAYA® Liquid Seasoning. Chicken is rich in protein which aid in maintaining good muscle integrity and B Vitamins that are in-charge of keeping a healthy immune system. Onions and bell peppers are also valuable in this recipe as it not only add flavor but they also contain antioxidants that may help protect cells against free radicals. Want to take this meal to another level of enjoyment as well? Why not add a mixture of olive oil with AJI-SHIO® Pepper Seasoning Mix, and AJI-SHIO® Garlic to give the veggies a savory kick.

Hawaiian Fish Burger

Give burgers a new and inviting look with the Hawaiian Fish Burger. Prepping this snack can be done in four easy steps by using tilapia fillet as a substitute for the traditional beef. Tilapia is rich in protein that promotes muscle building and tissue healing. Moreover, it also provides iron which further helps in strengthening the immune system. Adding fruits and vegetables high in fiber and minerals such as pineapple, romaine lettuce, and tomato will make this specialty healthier. CRISPY FRY® Seasoned Crumbs even makes the tilapia fillet crunchier, to give joy to kids and kids at heart when they have this delightful treat.

Asian Salad with Oyster Sauce Dressing

For people looking to go green and oriental, this Asian Salad recipe is perfect. This colorful dish is composed of easy-to-find fruits and vegetables such as cucumber, lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, orange and singkamas that are packed with iron and vitamins A and C. This combination of vitamins support the immune system. Preparing this leafy concoction is a time-saver as it can be done in four simple ways. Aside from the veggies’ natural benefits, slices of grilled filleted chicken breasts will pack this hearty grub with protein. Adding SARSAYA® Oyster Sauce to the salad dressing will further elevate the taste of this specialty.

Fish Fillet in Mango Salsa

Combining fish and fruits to create a delicious specialty like this Fish Fillet in Mango Salsa is a unique way to power up defenses against diseases. This dish is packed with protein that helps fuel and fortify the body. Fish fillet evenly coated and fried with CRISPY FRY® Fish Breading Mix is a perfect complement to the sweet kick of ripe mangoes that contain vitamins A and C. Adding onions, cilantro, green pepper, honey and lemon to the mango salsa will enrich this meal to perfection.

“These recipes will benefit people who want to watch what they eat and those who want to start eating healthier. While these recipes are certainly helpful, we also encourage people to put in more time and effort in knowing the benefits of the food they intake to improve their health and even immune system,” adds Fajarda.

These recipes reflect the Ajinomoto Creating Shared Value (ASV) framework and Eat Well, Live Well commitment, as the company continues to develop ideas and create products to improve the nutrition of Filipino families.

Want to learn more easy-to-cook, nutritious, and affordable recipes? Visit our Facebook page at Cookmunity® by Ajinomoto Philippines or our website at www.cookmunitybyajinomoto.com.

Going on field trips or educational tours is one of the most exciting ways to learn. Before the pandemic, food factory tours were widely used as an avenue for interactive learning for students aspiring to be part of the industry. To replicate this activity, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) brings its factory tour online with the launch of The Ajinomoto Virtual Experience: Be More, this time not only targeting students but homemakers as well. Aside from a detailed tour around Ajinomoto’s factory, the virtual space is also packed with kitchen tips and games that everybody will enjoy.

“Meeting eager participants on factory tours is one of the things we miss during these times. More than sharing what we do, the tour has been an avenue for us to educate about food safety and proper nutrition, as well as to share our advocacy on environmental sustainability,” says Roann Co, APC’s General Manager of Marketing and Public Relations. “Now that we’re bringing it online, we are excited that we can reach not only those from NCR but students and homemakers nationwide empowering them to be more knowledgeable and responsible members of the community.”

A trip down the grocery lane
The Supermarket is the first virtual station of the online tour. This is where visitors can learn more about Ajinomoto’s products and learn about the company’s brief history.

From farm to kitchen
After the informational and nostalgic trip, the next stop is the Factory which shows how APC’s products are made. Since this is an online tour with no physical logistical restrictions, participants can also view the farm where raw materials are harvested. From there, visitors are bound to a detailed tour of the factory where aspiring food innovators can learn about topnotch methods and technologies that keep food safe and of quality.

Finishing the Factory tour leads guests to a choice between the Office or the Cooking Plaza. For students, a 360° tour of the Ajinomoto Office will allow them to learn the 5S organization method—Sort, Shine, Set, Standardize, and Sustain—which is widely implemented within the company. On the other hand, the Cooking Plaza features an interactive kitchen where homemakers can learn about the 5Ms of a great meal—Malinis, Masustansya, Masarap, Matipid, at Madaling Gawin—and apply them by virtually cooking dishes, playing games, and answering quizzes.

Towards a more sustainable future The Ajinomoto Virtual Experience: Be More ends with a message for the future. The last station, Community, features Ajinomoto’s environment education campaign that aims to aid consumers to slowly incorporate sustainable practices into their daily lives.

“At Ajinomoto, our commitment towards a more sustainable future is embedded in our Ajinomoto Group Creating Shared Value (ASV) which represents our unchanging mission of helping resolve society’s issues such as global sustainability, food resources, and healthy living. Through the best practices we shared at The Ajinomoto Virtual Experience: Be More, we hope to inspire Filipinos to lead a healthier and eco-friendlier lifestyle,” says Co.

To try the fun and educational tour, visit ajinomotobemore.com.