Recognizing this growing interest, the USA Cheese Guild has introduced its internationally recognized USA Cheese Specialist™ Certification Program to the Philippines. This premier training initiative equips culinary students, professional chefs, retailers, and importers with comprehensive knowledge of cheese, from its history and production to practical applications in diverse global cuisines.
For the culinary track, the Guild has partnered with the Center for Culinary Arts (CCA) to integrate a three-tiered certification program: Associate, Intermediate, and Advanced, into the second-year curriculum. The program covers cheese families, proper storage and handling, and even artisanal cheesemaking, providing students with the skills to elevate Filipino dishes and innovate in the kitchen.
“By working directly with culinary students, we are investing in the future of the food industry in the Philippines,” said Dali Ghazalay, Regional Director, Southeast Asia, USA Cheese Guild. “These young chefs are the tastemakers of tomorrow. Equipping them with a deeper understanding of cheese, especially U.S. varieties, empowers them to push creative boundaries, elevate flavors, and make thoughtful choices in the kitchen. The USA Cheese Specialist™ certification is not just a credential. It is a creative mindset. It encourages chefs to see cheese not as an afterthought, but as a versatile, functional, and flavor-rich ingredient that can transform a dish.”
Dr. Veritas Luna, Chancellor of CCA Manila, emphasized the impact of this partnership: “This collaboration with the USA Cheese Guild is a milestone for CCA and our students. It strengthens our commitment to internationalization, sustainability, and continuous faculty development, while giving our graduates a competitive edge that opens doors both locally and abroad.”
Why Choose Cheeses from the USA?
The U.S. cheese industry combines traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, producing cheeses from high-quality cow’s milk using sustainable farming practices and advanced food safety standards. As the world’s largest single-country producer and exporter of cheese, the U.S. offers a wide range of varieties and formats, all crafted to perform exceptionally in cooking, deliver outstanding taste, and meet the evolving needs of chefs and food enthusiasts worldwide.
Cheese Education Beyond the Classroom
Though this program is exclusive to the school’s culinary students, cheese education and inspiration can begin right at home. Whether you’re an aspiring chef or a passionate home cook, here are a few simple ways to bring the magic of USA cheeses into your kitchen:
1. Use Cheese with Purpose
How cheese is prepared affects how it behaves in a dish. Grated cheese melts quickly and evenly, making it perfect for baked spaghetti or kaldereta. Crumbled cheese adds texture and bursts of flavor to salads or roasted vegetables. Try American Original varieties like U.S. Monterey Jack for melt-in-your-mouth creaminess or U.S. Pepper Jack for a buttery, spicy kick.
2. Add Nutrition, Not Just Flavor
Cheese isn’t just delicious – it’s also a great source of protein, calcium, and healthy fats. That means you’re getting real nutritional value with every bite. Aged cheeses are naturally low in lactose, making them a smart choice for those with lactose sensitivity. The dairy proteins in these cheeses contain all the essential amino acids the body cannot produce, supporting muscle development and overall wellness.
3. Don’t Forget Dessert
In Filipino cuisine, cheese also shines in desserts. Top a classic puto with melted U.S. Monterey Jack, or use smooth, rich U.S. Cream Cheese in your baked treats. For a unique twist, create a dessert cheeseboard featuring U.S. cheddar, gouda, and cream cheese paired with local fruits, nuts, or a cup of tsokolate.
Discover USA Cheese in the Philippines
The USA Cheese Guild is committed to making high-quality USA cheeses more accessible to Filipino chefs and consumers. Through partnerships with local importers and retailers, a growing variety of U.S. cheeses is now available in supermarkets and specialty stores nationwide. Experience the flavor, versatility, and quality of USA cheese in your own kitchen. Follow @cheesefromtheusa.sea on Instagram and Facebook for recipes, tips, and updates.
