Cheese is no longer just a garnish or comfort food staple – it’s a star ingredient celebrated for its versatility and  ability to transform any dish. As global appreciation for cheese’s limitless culinary potential continues to grow, more Filipino home cooks and professional chefs are deepening their knowledge, from its origins and production to how it can elevate even the most familiar recipes.

USA Cheese Specialist™ Certification Program Lands in the Philippines

Recognizing this growing interest, the USA Cheese Guild has brought its globally recognized USA Cheese Specialist™ Certification Program to the Philippines. This premier training initiative – the first of its kind – equips culinary students and professionals, retailers and importers with in-depth knowledge of cheese, from its history and production to practical use across diverse global cuisines.

For the culinary track, the Guild has partnered with the Center for Culinary Arts to integrate a three-tiered certification program (Associate, Intermediate, Advanced) into the  second-year curriculum. The program covers cheese families, proper storage and handling, and even artisanal cheesemaking – giving students the skills to elevate Filipino dishes and innovate in the kitchen.

“By working directly with culinary students, we’re 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 isn’t just a credential — it’s a creative mindset. It encourages chefs to treat cheese not as an afterthought, but as a versatile, functional, and flavor-rich ingredient that can transform a dish.”

According to Dr. Veritas Luna, Chancellor of CCA Manila, this milestone partnership enhances the school’s mission to uphold global culinary standards and foster culinary innovation. She shares, “This partnership with the USA Cheese Guild is a milestone for CCA and our students. It supports our commitment to internationalization, sustainability, and continuous faculty development — while giving our graduates a competitive edge that open doors both locally and abroad.”

Why Cheeses from the USA?

The U.S. cheese industry blends traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation – producing cheese 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 multitude of varieties and formats – all crafted to perform well in cooking, deliver exceptional taste, and meet the evolving needs of chefs and food enthusiasts around the world.

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 own kitchen:

1. Use Cheese with Purpose

How cheese is prepared affects how it behaves in a dish. Grated cheese melts quickly and evenly – 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.

• Add Nutrition, Not Just Flavor

Cheese isn’t just delicious – it’s a great source of protein, calcium, and healthy fats. That means you’re getting real nutritional value with every bite. Aged cheeses are also naturally low in lactose, making them a smart option for those with lactose sensitivity. And as the dairy proteins found in the cheeses contain all the essential amino acids the body needs but can’t make, they also support muscle development and overall wellness.

• Don’t Forget Dessert

In Filipino cuisine, cheese also shines in dessert. 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 cheeses from the USA is now available in Filipino 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.