BIOGRAPHY

Eden Vina L. Grate, Jolina S. Ladan, and Rovic D. Oppus are Changemaker Challenge winners from the Philippines, whom just graduated last July 2022 with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Food Technology. They were former students of Southern Leyte State University located in Sogod, Southern Leyte when they won the award. Eden and Jolina are both 22 years old, and Rovic is 23 years old. Eden lives in Tomas Oppus, Southern Leyte. She graduated as Magna Cum Laude for her Bachelor’s degree, and finished as the top of her class with the highest general weighted average (GWA). She is also an awardee of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as a Scholar. She is currently focusing on the Rice to Rise project until the end of September in order to deliver more effective results on the community-wide livelihood project. Rovic lives in Bontoc, Southern Leyte. He is currently working at Virginia Food Incorporation as Quality Assurance Inspector. Living alone far from family is one of the biggest challenge in life however indeed inspring. Jolina lives in Bato, Leyte, where she pretends to be a simple girl when she would rather be shot her horse. During her free time, she uses technology and engages in conversation. She enjoys a tranquil existence with her partner. The two mentors are Prof. Pet Anthony L. Pascual and Prof. Ramel E. Claros. Prof. Pet Pascual and Ramel E. Claros are core faculties of the Department of Food Science and Technology (DFoST). Prof. Pascual is currently an Assistant Professor IV at Southern Leyte State University and the Director of the Center for Organic and Natural Food Research (CONFoR). He finished his Masters of Food Technology in Belgium and his area of expertise includes Food Processing and Food Safety, and other related fields. Prof. Ramel E. Claros is an Assistant Professor II at Southern Leyte State University. He finished Masters in Food Science and is currently a PhD candidate. His area of expertise is Food Engineering, and other related fields.