Present during the contract signing were (from left) DHMC and DusitD2 the Fort Manila director of Culinary Arts Cyrille Soenen, managing director Lars Eltvik, Dusit Hospitality Education Ph Inc. president Evelyn R. Singson, SMPFC president Francisco S. Alejo III, board of director Menardo Jimenez, and SMPFC-Great Food Solutions vice president and general manager Helene Pontejos.

San Miguel Pure Foods Company, Inc., has established a scholarship fund through the new Dusit Hospitality Management College (DHMC) to hone future restauranteurs and hoteliers.

Through SMPFC’s support, DHMC will grant scholarships to deserving students in its Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality Management and Professional Advancement programs.

Launched in 2016, DHMC will be housed on the first 10 floors of the nearly completed 26-floor DusitD2 Hotel The Fort Manila. The college will offer world-class education facilities including practical kitchens and restaurants.

“Education is a very important aspect of our corporate social responsibility. We hope that our support for DHMC will enable future culinary and hospitality experts gain better skills and knowledge to support their educational pursuits,” SMPFC president Francisco Alejo III said.

“DHMC was designed to develop globally competitive professionals. SMPFC’s generosity will allow us to offer students the education and training at par with the highest international standards,” said Evelyn R. Singson, Dusit Hospitality Education Phil. Inc. president.

The four-year BS Hospitality Management program will be certified by Switzerland’s École Hôtelière de Lausanne, a pioneer in hospitality education and recognized as the best hotel management school in the world. The professional advancement and culinary programs, on the other hand, will be introduced in collaboration with France’s Institut Paul Bocuse, a school that combines tradition and innovation using the art of French hospitality and cuisine.

“But beyond the monetary value of their support, I am grateful for the company’s commitment to open up opportunities to young minds through quality education,” Singson added.