QCU Strengthens Role in VBS-4HD Project Planning and Development
Quezon City University (QCU) reaffirmed its commitment to research-driven community development through its active participation in the Vendor Business School for Healthy Diets (VBS-4HD) Project Planning Meeting held from February 10 to 12, 2026 at Quezon City Hall. The three-day workshop convened key partners to align on the project’s intervention design, implementation strategies, and impact evaluation framework. It also served as a platform to define governance arrangements and ensure readiness for project rollout.
The first day focused on clarifying project objectives, aligning institutional roles, and setting the overall direction of the initiative. Discussions emphasized coordination mechanisms and the integration of research and implementation components to support effective project delivery. On the second day, partners examined the operational aspects of the program, including training structure, coaching delivery, and participant selection. The intervention is designed to include ten weekly training sessions supported by periodic coaching engagements to reinforce learning and provide tailored guidance. Parameters for participant inclusion and exclusion were also established to ensure methodological rigor.
The final day concentrated on research protocols, technical requirements, and governance arrangements. Partners agreed on key timelines, including a November 2026 rollout and a projected completion of the evaluation cycle by June 2028. Regular coordination mechanisms—such as monthly meetings and quarterly in-person sessions—were also formalized to support sustained collaboration.
A significant outcome of the workshop was the identification of three priority module areas: Food Systems Sustainability, Nutrition, and Food Safety. These were recognized as essential enhancements to the existing learning package to ensure that the VBS-4HD program addresses not only business practices but also promotes knowledge and behaviors that support healthier diets and safer food environments.
QCU’s role in the project was further defined, highlighting its contribution in:
- Developing and structuring learning materials for program delivery
- Identifying appropriate training methodologies for adult learners and vendor communities
- Conducting pre-testing of modules, including the Facilitator’s Guide and Participants’ Workbook, to ensure clarity, usability, and effectiveness
The University is expected to complete these deliverables by October 2026, in preparation for the scheduled rollout.
The planning discussions also opened avenues for academic involvement within QCU. Faculty-led research groups may be organized to undertake focused studies, such as assessing vendors’ baseline knowledge in the identified module areas and evaluating the effectiveness of the newly developed training materials.
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