DTI-Laguna conducts seminar on “Proper Food Handling and Food Safety Awareness” in Pagsanjan

Pagsanjan, Laguna – To ensure quality and safety of food products, the Department of Trade and Industry – Laguna Provincial Office, through Negosyo Center (NC) Pagsanjan, facilitated a seminar on “Proper Food Handling and Food Safety Awareness” under SME Roving Academy program with 27 food manufacturing and processing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) last December 8, 2021 at Liwasang Don Manuel Soriano Basement 2, Pagsanjan, Laguna.

Senior Business Counselor Ms. Anne Camille S. Alducente hosted the program. DTI-Laguna Provincial Director Clarke S. Nebrao emphasized the importance of the said activity in preparation for application for license-to-operate permit from Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). He also emphasized that quality must not compromise the safety of any food product from preparation, packaging, and handling.

On the other hand, Senior Business Counselor Ms. Jean Kristine L. Torres, also the resource person, started the discussion by introducing various food safety hazards that maybe encounter in food preparation. She also cited illnesses, causing agents such as bacteria and other microorganisms, common symptoms, and preventive measures for different food preparation practices.

In addition, NCBC Torres also discussed the how does cross contamination happen and preventive measures. Lastly, she discussed the importance of personnel hygiene in food safety.

The food manufacturing/processing industry is one of DTI Laguna's key industries. DTI Laguna works hard to assist these MSMEs in getting their products ready for market. MSMEs must ensure that their products are safe and of high quality in order to be market-ready. According to DOST, "safety is an essential prerequisite of food quality." Thus, “food contamination and poisoning may occur at any point along the supply chain, from farm to fork. Rapid urbanization and the globalization of food manufacture and commerce enhance the possibility of contaminated and tainted food occurrences. Every year, hundreds of people in our community become ill, and many die as a result of eating contaminated food."

The event was also graced by Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist Ms. Angela Luz P. Salvador and Business Development Division Chief Marcelina B. Alcantara. This activity was in conjunction with Kalakal Laguna Trade Fair, showcasing local products all over the province that will run from December 8 to 12, 2021.

DTI Region 1 launches additional Negosyo Centers

To improve services for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in the country side, the Department of Trade and Industry- Region 1 (DTI-R1), thru its provincial office in La Union opened additional Negosyo Centers (NCs) in the municipalities of Sudipen, Pugo and Sto. Tomas.

All the NCs launched are model B facilities that have a reception area, consultation and meeting rooms. The launching programs were graced by RD Grace Falgui-Baluyan, PD Merlie D. Membrere and the respective LGU Local Chief Executives.

The enactment of Republic Act No. 10644, also known as the Go Negosyo Act, fortified the policy of the State to foster national development, promote inclusive growth and reduce poverty by encouraging the development of MSMEs. This law provides for the establishment of Negosyo Centers under the supervision of the MSME Development Council, which shall encourage public-private partnerships in the establishment and management of said centers.

On her message, Dir. Baluyan reiterated that one of the goals of the Negosyo Center is to bring the government services closer to the people. “The establishment of Negosyo Center will encourage more enterprises to register or scale-up their businesses. As we create more businesses, there will be more employment opportunities for the people, thereby, leading to economic prosperity in said municipalities.” she added.

As the core of DTI’s thrust towards promoting MSME growth and development, Negosyo Centers will be established in every province, city and municipality nationwide. To date, there are already 1,263 Negosyo Centers nationwide. 75 of which is in Region 1. A total of 17 additional NCs are targeted to open in the region for this year.

The Negosyo Centers provide the following basic services: business registration assistance; business advisory services; business information and advocacy; and monitoring and evaluation of business-process improvement.