Kapampangan culinary expertise took center stage as renowned chef and PamCham director Vince Garcia served as one of the panelists for the Food Category of BIDA 2026 (20th Business Idea and Development Award) organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) on September 22 in Taguig City.

Garcia evaluated the top three student teams from different universities, who presented innovative food product concepts and defended their feasibility before a panel composed of food industry business owners and members of the academe.

Entries were assessed based on creativity, market potential, and business viability, giving the young innovators an opportunity to test their ideas before industry experts.

BIDA, now on its 20th year, continues to provide a platform for students to develop innovative ideas and explore the potential of building sustainable enterprises.

For Garcia, the invitation also highlighted the growing role of industry practitioners in helping shape the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators in the food sector.