THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Batangas trained five micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Batangas City on food safety through a training roadshow aimed at helping them comply with industry standards and regulations, held at their individual facilities, January 15.
The five MSMEs included Batangas Advent Multipurpose Cooperative, Ilijan Multipurpose Cooperative, SIBBAP Multipurpose Cooperative, San Isidro Multipurpose Cooperative, and Solana Heirloom Cafe. The four cooperatives were beneficiaries of DOST-Batangas’ Grants-in-Aid (GIA) Community-based Projects (CBP), while Solana Heirloom Cafe is currently receiving technical assistance. The training roadshow was simultaneously conducted at each facility, led by DOST-Batangas Food Safety Team members Mr. John Maico M. Hernandez, Ms. Jessica G. Navarro, Ms. Anna Marie M. Marasigan, and Mr. Romel C. Quinay.
The training for the four cooperatives focused on current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and covered topics such as GMP organization, education and training, premises, plant construction and design, equipment, sanitation and hygiene, supervision, sanitary facilities, maintenance, process control, chemical control, quality management, testing of reprocessed products and returned goods, laboratory facilities and control, documentation, quality audits, warehouse and distribution, receiving and shipping, recall and traceability, retention of samples, and subcontracting of manufacture.
Meanwhile, the training for Solana Heirloom Cafe concentrated on basic food hygiene, covering topics such as sanitary permits, health certificates, food quality and protection, primary production, establishment design (facilities and equipment), training and competence, establishment maintenance, cleaning and disinfection, pest control, personal hygiene, operation control, product information and consumer awareness, and the special provisions of P.D. 856.
The MSMEs also received guidance on how to implement and maintain these practices in their daily operations to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and improve overall product quality. Additionally, they were encouraged to apply for a license to operate from the Food and Drug Administration to enhance their business operations and demonstrate their commitment to producing safe and high-quality products.
The training aimed to not only improve their knowledge of food safety standards but also to empower them with the skills to improve their operational efficiency. Through this initiative, DOST-Batangas also hopes to foster a culture of food safety and sustainability within the local MSME sector and help these businesses remain competitive in the market. Moreover, the training emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring and assessment to ensure the long-term success of food safety practices.| – John Maico Hernandez
