Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) officially kicked off the 2026 leg of its I Love Veggie-Licious® (ILV) Caravan at the Dapitan Sports Complex in the City of Manila, gathering mothers, homemakers, community leaders, and nutrition advocates for a fun and educational event focused on promoting healthier eating habits through the joy of cooking and vegetable consumption.
The ILV Caravan aims to inspire Filipino families to incorporate more vegetables into their daily meals by making nutritious dishes accessible and delicious. Participants enjoyed an energetic, family-friendly atmosphere filled with educational booths, interactive games, and community activities designed to make learning about nutrition meaningful and enjoyable.
A highlight of the event was a live cooking demonstration showcasing easy-to-prepare vegetable dishes enhanced with umami—the savory taste that brings out the natural flavors of ingredients. The session emphasized how simple techniques and thoughtful ingredient choices can transform vegetables into appealing meals without sacrificing taste.
According to the 2021 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) from the DOST-FNRI, Filipino adults consume significantly less than the World Health Organization’s recommended 400 grams of vegetables and fruits per day, averaging just 58 grams of vegetables and 17 grams of fruit daily. The ILV Caravan addresses this gap by providing practical knowledge and encouraging positive food habits.
As part of Ajinomoto Group’s 2030 roadmap, the ILV movement contributes to extending the healthy life expectancy of one billion people and reducing environmental impact by 50%. APC’s mother campaign seeks to create lasting behavioral change in communities nationwide by equipping them with the tools and knowledge to support healthier lifestyles.
APC President Daizaburo Koga, in his welcome remarks, highlighted the importance of collaboration: “Hand in hand, we have reached thousands of homemakers by sharing simple ways to prepare nutritious meals that every family can enjoy. These solid partnerships remind us that change begins when communities come together with a common goal.”
The ILV program has already partnered with several local government units, including Quezon City, Pasig, San Jose Del Monte, Santa Rosa, Lucena, and Alaminos, to strengthen efforts in promoting balanced nutrition and healthier food choices. By working with LGUs and providing accessible learning opportunities, APC continues to support its mission of helping Filipinos enjoy good health and good food.
The City of Manila marks the first stop for this year’s ILV Caravan, with four more community locations scheduled as the program expands nationwide. APC remains committed to fostering healthier communities—one veggie-licious meal at a time.
Through every recipe, lesson, and shared experience, the campaign delivers a powerful message: healthy eating can be simple, enjoyable, and packed with flavor for every Filipino family.