The 27th Annual National Conference and Training of the Philippine Association for Technology in Home Economics of State Colleges and Universities (PATHESCU), held on July 16-18, 2026, was a significant event that highlighted the dedication and contribution of members of the Department of Home Economics Education (DHEEd). 

Faculty Presentations and Research Highlights

Poster Presentations:

1. Translation of the Filipino Family Well-being Survey

This research project, led by Dr. Consuelo T. Chua with Dr. Joanne R. Bantang, Dr. Aurora S. Llige, and Asst. Prof. Mary Justine Clarise A. Trinidad, was awarded Best Poster Presentation. The study established an equivalent Filipino-language version of the Filipino Family Wellbeing Survey (FFWS-FV), following a rigorous seven-step process, including forward translation, review and adjudication, blind backward translation, second review and adjudication, pilot testing of the pre-final scale, review and revision of the pre-final version, and psychometric testing to ensure validity and reliability. Results confirmed high content validity, excellent internal consistency, and strong construct validity across demographic groups, with the team recommending future translations into regional languages such as Ilocano and Cebuano, to name a few, to broaden accessibility especially in a multilingual country like the Philippines. 

2. Exploring Food Literacy and Influencing Factors Among University Students

Asst. Prof. Trinidad and her former thesis advisee, Angelica Babon, presented their research on evaluating the food literacy levels of 124 students at the University of the Philippines. Utilizing a researcher-created scale modeled after Vidgen and Gallegos, the study revealed that university students maintain high overall food literacy, performing best in meal planning and healthy eating habits, though they showed moderate skills in the selection of food products and actual food preparation. Multiple linear regression also proved that active involvement in meal planning and cooking at home or in dorms was the single strongest predictor of overall food literacy. Thus, it's recommended for universities to actively integrate food education into both academic and household settings. 

Oral Presentation

1. The Quality of Sibling Relationship as Emotional Nourishment in Emerging Adulthood Stress

Asst. Prof. Trinidad delivered an oral presentation on her co-authored study with former thesis advisee, Jan Gabriel Donato, which was also published in the latest issue of the PATHESCU Journal. The study investigated 101 young adults from the University of the Philippines Diliman to understand how sibling dynamics impact stress levels during the transition into adulthood. Findings indicated that while young adults experience moderate stress primarily driven by study and future uncertainty, high-quality sibling relationships offer essential social and emotional support that significantly mitigates worries surrounding peer dynamics and future life choices. 

Leadership and Recognition

In addition to research presentations, two distinguished faculty members from DHEEd were elected to the Board of the PATHESCU, Inc.:

Dr. Joanne R. Bantang – President (2026-2028)  

Asst. Prof. Mary Justine Clarise A. Trinidad – Secretary (2026-2028)

Dr. Bantang shared her vision, stating, "As the new president, I will continue the innovations and projects introduced by the various leaders and board of directors. The new board will sustain the achievement of the organization's objectives and will further enrich its website, professional development opportunities, and strengthen the organization's membership and academic journal. We will continue its participation in policy and curricular development through collaboration with CHED, DepEd, and PRC." 

Asst. Prof. Trinidad shared her vision for the organization: "I envision PATHESCU as a strong and collaborative professional organization that empowers home economics educators through quality teaching, meaningful research, impactful extension, and strong partnerships. With home economics experts from various regions of the country, PATHESCU is well positioned to strengthen collaboration, share expertise and best practices, and expand its contribution to the well-being of Filipino families and communities.” Reflecting on her new role as Secretary, she added: "Serving as the Board Secretary will entail a big responsibility, not only to the organization but, most importantly, to our fellow home economics educators and practitioners who are members of PATHESCU. However, I am confident that I can fulfill my obligations because I am surrounded by fellow professionals who share the same vision that I have for the organization. I look forward to this opportunity to serve and contribute to the organization on a larger scale.”

The 2026 PATHESCU Conference successfully showcased the innovative research and leadership of the DHEEd faculty members, reinforcing their vital role in shaping the future of home economics education in the Philippines.