Nourishing Minds and Growing Careers: Sustainability in Cooking
“Ano’ng tinuturo mo?
“Cookery po.”
“Ah, yung luto-luto.”
At first glance it may look like a simple “luto-luto” subject, but cooking is more than just preparing food. For over 14 years, I had the privilege of teaching how to cook to different students, from Junior and Senior High School to College. Throughout those years of teaching I have seen how cooking transforms lives – not just through meals but by the valuable lessons it brings.
Cooking teaches learners to make healthy food choices, explore its science, and express creativity in presenting. It also teaches sustainable practices like choosing local ingredients, reducing food waste, and conserving energy. Most importantly, cooking teaches patience, problem-solving skills, and confidence – skills that go beyond the kitchen.
Whenever I have the opportunity to share my knowledge, I teach students the tricks of the trade hoping that it would help them in their entrepreneurial journey. Seeing students discover their potential and gain confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of being an educator.
What I teach is an important life skill, cooking is a skill that everyone should learn. Every dish prepared is an opportunity to learn, create, and nourish others. It can start as a hobby, or spark a passion that can soon be someone’s profession.
Ms. Ma. Jasmin Leonida Abueva
Skills Development and Technical Education Center Faculty
