To assist the Local Government Units in the implementation of the Food Safety Act of 2013, the Department of Science and Technology-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR) thru the Provincial S&T Center-Benguet conducted the Science for the People Caravan in Benguet on May 31, 2022 (Tuesday) at the DPWH Conference Hall, 2nd District-Benguet, Natubleng, Buguias, Benguet.
The activity aims to inform the food service providers and food processors on Food Safety and current Good Manufacturing Practices for the improvement of their production process and housekeeping practices towards safe provision of food to their customers. Also, this is crucial to improve their competitiveness especially that more tourists are plying the area.
The activity was conceptualized, initially to cater restaurants along Halsema Area in the province to enhance their housekeeping and customer service to meet customers’ needs and expectations. It was then expanded to cater all interested food establishments/ processors in the area, through the coordination of the Licensing Office of the Local Government Units of Buguias and Atok.
Ms. Jamie Beth Galian, DOST-CAR Food Safety Team Head, discussed the roles of Local Government Units and Food Business Operators in the implementation of the Food Safety Act. Also, Good Manufacturing Practices to prevent physical, biological, and chemical Hazards were presented for safe food preparation.
About 66 MSME-participants participated from Atok, Buguias, Bakun, Kibungan, and Kapangan-Benguet and also from Bauko, Mt. Province. Representatives also from LGU-Atok and LGU Buguias attended.
Mr. Melecio Balangen Jr of DOST-Benguet, Engr. Rodel Inga-an of DOST-CAR Regional Metrology Laboratory, Mr. Ramiel Lagaban of DOST-CAR Packaging Innovation Center, and Mr. Aldy Onos also promoted DOST-CAR Programs, Projects, and Services which the participants may avail.
“We thank you for holding this activity” said Ms. Isabel Rosario, one of the participants. “Iti kastoy nga edad kon ket tattak lang nga naammuan nga adu gayam ti mayat nga trab-trabahoen ti DOST nga dapat nga ipakaammu iti tattao” added Ms. Rosario. Hence, this activity and the continuous promotion of DOST services to the community level.