DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan (PIA) — A total of 89 food handlers and manufacturers in Pangasinan attended a seminar on food safety practices conducted by the Department of Science and Technology Region 1 (DOST-1), through its Provincial Science and Technology Office Pangasinan (PSTO) to ensure consumer health and enhance manufacturing standards.
Bernalyn P. Martinez, Science Research Specialist II from DOST-1, said the seminar focuses on the implementation of the Food Safety Act of 2013 which is to provide essential training on proper procedures and product handling, reinforcing the importance of maintaining high standards in food safety. She also emphasized the importance of the said activity in obtaining a License to Operate (LTO) from Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“The seminar was requested by food handlers and manufacturers as a requirement for renewing their License to Operate (LTO) from the Food and Drug Administration,” Martinez added.
The Republic Act No. 10611 or the Food Safety Act of 2013 mandates the implementation of science-based food safety regulations in the Philippines.
Engr. Arnold C. Santos, provincial director of PSTO-Pangasinan, encouraged participants to actively engage and apply the knowledge gained from the seminar to their practices. He stressed the importance of adhering to FDA guidelines to ensure product safety and quality.
“This training is not only to provide knowledge but also an opportunity for you to expand your networks and linkages with other firms,” he added.
The two-day seminar held on August 5–6 emphasized the crucial role of food handlers in ensuring food safety. It also highlighted the support provided to food manufacturing firms by DOST-1 through the Small Enterprise and Upgrading Program (SETUP) and Technical Assistance and Consultancy Services (TACS) for food safety assessment.
Hero D. Galamgam, a Project Technical Specialist I and food safety expert of DOST-1’s Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory, served as the resource speaker of the two-day seminar for Food Safety, Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP).
Galamgam shared his expertise and insights on food safety and good manufacturing practices, which were invaluable for those involved in food processing. He addressed specific topics and challenges related to maintaining food safety standards.
“Completing the training sessions successfully is a key achievement in ensuring that food businesses in Pangasinan comply with national food safety standards. This effort contributes to protecting public health and enhancing the overall quality of food products in the region,” Galamgam added.
In an interview, attendees expressed their gratitude, highlighting that the seminar increased their knowledge and improved their skills in the proper food safety process. They emphasized that this is crucial for ensuring that they are working correctly and maintaining high standards of cleanliness.
Erlene Lictaoa, a 10-year worker from PG Bagoong: Ocean Delights, said, “Malaking tulong po ito mula sa DOST. Nagpapasalamat po kami Napakagandang tulong nito tulad sa amin staff para aware din po kami sa mga kalinisan ng paggawa ng bagoong dahil ang sabi nila ang bagoong (fish paste) is marumi pero tine-train at na-train po kami doon sa seminar na kung paano ang cleanliness na natutunan namin mula sa DOST.”
(This is a big help from DOST, and we are very grateful. The seminar has been wonderful for us, the staff, by increasing our awareness of cleanliness in bagoong production. Although bagoong is often considered dirty, the training we received from DOST has taught us how to maintain proper cleanliness.) (MJTAB/PRM/PIA Pangasinan)
