Students cancel food exhibit to sympathize with typhoon victims

CEBU, Philippines -  The administration and students of Mandaue City College Technological, Entrepreneurial, Skills Training (MCCTEST) Center cancelled their graduation food exhibit-contest in sympathy with victims of typhoon "Yolanda."

Instead, the 67 students of the short course of  Commercial Cooking, Food and Meat Processing, and Baking and Pastries held a simple presentation of their respective products.

As part of the courses, the students are required to hold the event as a graduation requirement.

Padie Suico, school instructress said the students are formed into groups to vie in three categories: cake decorating, commercial cooking, and meat processing.

For this activity each group appropriates P5,000  shared equally among the members.

With the simple presentation of their products, their expenses are reduced to P2,000.

"We appreciate the gesture made by our classmates," said Maribel Macalisang, one of  four students from northern Cebu whose houses were destroyed by typhoon "Yolanda."

Macalisang, a student of Baking and Pastries who hails from Kawit, Medellin and presently residing in the city in the house of her sibling said they are now rebuilding their home.

The presentation was held Tuesday in time with the 60th birthday of Suico.

"This is one way of showing our solidarity with the victims," said Zenith Mendoza, a student of cake decorating.

Her other group members included Carla Arriesgado, Dyan Torres, Marie Chua, El Mendoza, Eugene Estioca, among others.

The students are part of the more than 200 MCCTEST students taking various shorts courses and are to graduate Thursday.

The graduation ceremony will be held at the Mandaue Cultural and Sports Complex. (MNS) (FREEMAN)