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| Wearing the IChef & Worldchefs badges with pride |
The Institute of International Culinary and Hospitality Entrepreneurship (IChef) does it again. The premier culinary school in Davao and Mindanao announced its affiliation with The Worldchefs Association of Chefs Societies (Worldchefs).
“We are excited to share with you that we are the first and only Worldchefs certified culinary school in Mindanao,” said Nicole Hao Bian-Ledesma, COO of Joji Ilagan International Schools (JIIS), in the recent grand launching ceremony and awarding of WACS badges to the first batch of culinary students at the IChef auditorium, “This goes to show that as an institution, IChef leads the way and is serious in its commitment to be an international school where you, our culinary students and professionals, get the international education and training that you want, that you need and that will make you stand out."
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| Nicole Hao Bian-Ledesma, COO of Joji Ilagan International Schools (JIIS) |
Worldchefs is a leading global network of culinary professionals. Established in 1928, The organization represents over 100 national chef associations, promoting culinary excellence and innovation worldwide.
ICHEF is honored to be part of an elite group of culinary institutions recognized by Worldchefs, which includes the renowned schools of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, the Culinary Institute of America in New York, and the International Culinary Center in California. These schools, like ICHEF, uphold the highest standards of culinary education and are recognized for their excellence and innovation.
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| The Worldchefs Association of Chefs Societies (Worldchefs) certificate of accreditation unveiled |
In a video message, John Clancy, worldwide education director for Worldchefs, said, “This is a significant achievement and a testament to your dedication and excellence in culinary education and training. At Worldchefs, we believe in nurturing the next generation of culinary professionals, and your school is now an essential part of this global mission. By joining our network, you’re not only setting a high standard of education but you’re also providing your students with incredible opportunities of future growth and success. We look forward to supporting your journey and celebrating your accomplishments, Together we will shape the future of the culinary world. Congratulations once again and welcome to Worldchefs family.”
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| John Clancy, Worldwide Education Director for Worldchefs |
The graduates will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in top kitchens, cruise lines, and hospitality establishments across the globe. With the globally recognized certification highly respected by employers, doors will open to a world of opportunities for the IChef students and instructors.
IChef students will gain access to exclusive Worldchefs events, competitions, and networking opportunities. These experiences not only hone their skills but also build their confidence and professional networks. The exposure to diverse culinary traditions and cutting-edge techniques is invaluable in shaping them into versatile chefs.
For the IChef chef-instructors, being part of the Worldchefs community means continuous professional development.They will have access to the latest culinary trends, educational resources, and global best practices. This ensures that ICHEF’s teaching methods remain innovative, and the curriculum will stay relevant in the rapidly evolving industry. Moreover, they will have the opportunity to connect with their peers worldwide, sharing knowledge and experiences that can enrich the school’s educational environment.
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| Joji Ilagan Bian, Chairperson of Joji Ilagan International Schools (JIIS) |
“I would visit culinary schools and attend culinary shows and competitions locally and abroad, I would notice the WACS badges on the sleeves of the judges and students. So I asked how can IChef become a member,” recalls Joji Ilagan Bian, JIIS chairperson, “I have full confidence in the IChef standards and we have the same culinary procedures as other institutions across the globe, but we have different curriculums. However, we gave it a go and submitted the required documents. It was a long process and finally, we were awarded the accreditation in October 2023. Today, the ICHEF curriculum is globally benchmarked, ensuring students will receive world-class training that will meet the demands of the international culinary industry.”
She added that the WACS badges will be awarded to special students who have proven themselves worthy of the recognition. “It is a badge of Excellence recognized by chefs from all over the world.”
Extending her well wishes to the first batch of WACS badge recipients, winners of the recent Davao Culinary Cup, “Congratulations to the awardees. Wear your IChef badge, wear your WACS badge with pride, because it is a clear indication of excellence, of the level of skills that you have. Today you stand taller, stand prouder.”
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| IChef chef-instructors "pinning" the badges to the IChef students/recepients |
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| Standing taller, standing prouder. |
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