TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) – The first Food Quality and Safety (FQS) Laboratory in Region 2 has opened at Cagayan State University (CSU), providing food researchers and small businesses with access to certified laboratory services.
The P5 million laboratory was funded by the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), which aims to help university researchers, food innovators and producers meet industry standards.
Enrico Paringit, executive director of DOST-PCIEERD, said all food products must meet quality and safety standards before reaching the market.
“This laboratory will help streamline the process, saving time and resources. Products will not succeed in the market if they fail to meet regulations,” he said.
CSU Vice President for Academic Affairs Mariden Ventura thanked DOST for supporting the university, which focuses on food product development across its eight campuses.
Junel Guzman, vice president for Research and Development of CSU, explained the laboratory will help university researchers from all eight campuses with food product development and ensure their products meet Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards.
“It will also provide affordable testing services for small businesses in Cagayan Valley, reducing the need to travel to Metro Manila,” he said.
Guzman mentioned that while laboratory fees will be similar to other institutions, students and small businesses will receive discounts.
The FQS laboratory will officially receive its License to Operate on April 5, 2025.
As of 2025, DOST-PCIEERD has funded 58 projects, including 29 laboratories in Luzon, 15 in the Visayas and 14 in Mindanao. (OTB/GVB/P
