Dr. Ricaforte was educated in the University of the Philippines, where he received his Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Major in Biology Education). He has a Master of Business Administration degree from De La Salle University and received his degree in BS Biology (Major in Microbiology) from the University of the Philippines. He is a Registered Microbiologist certified by the Philippine Academy of Microbiology.
Dr. Ricaforte started his career in 1992 at Franklin Baker Company, Kraft Food Ingredients, where he started as Process Control and QA Supervisor. In 1995, he moved to PT Riau Sakti Plantations in Indonesia to serve as Assistant Quality Assurance Manager, where he managed the process control of chemical and microbiological laboratories according to good laboratory practices. In 1997, he became an Assistant Manager of the Microbiology Laboratory of Intertek Testing Services, before transferring to Gate Gourmet International and Miascor Catering in 2000 as Assistant Quality Assurance Manager. In 2005, he transferred to M&H Food Corporation as Technical Services Manager and Consultant, and developed his skills in marketing and technical support as Manager and Industry Client Consultant of BIOMERIEUX Philippines. His passion for teaching food safety and hygiene, food chemistry, principles of tourism, and ecotourism started in 2004 when he finally moved to De La Salle-College of St. Benilde. Dr. Ricaforte is an Assistant Professor 7 at the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management, and is the Chair of the Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management (MSTHM) Program.
Dr. Ricaforte is a member of the University of the Philippines Life Sciences Society, International Union of Microbiological Societies, and American Society for Microbiology, Inc. and has attended more than 100 trainings and seminars connected to his field. He has delivered more than 30 lectures in conferences and conventions, and is also a prolific writer. Dr. Ricaforte has already published nine books and research papers, and his latest publication, entitled Ecotourism: An Inquiry-based Learning Approach, was published in 2016 by Anvil Publishing, Inc.
Dr. Ricaforte is known among his peers as a good manager and as someone who inspires others to perform optimally. He has passion for microbiology and has great vision for the society. PSM members should expect great things to happen during his term.