It includes a briefing room where guests can learn MFPI’s 12-hour catching-to-canning process; the sardine catching room which features innovations in fishing, efforts towards marine conservation, and the important nutritional value of sardine food products; and the sardines canning room where visitors can try first-hand the process of canning sardines using their mock-up conveyors.
“We are very proud of this product that is purely Filipino. [From] building the ships, building the cans, catching the fish, selling and tubing it is purely Filipino and we are very proud of that,” Marvin Tiu Lim, MPFI’s chief Growth and Development Officer, said.
The museum is expected to open its doors to the public starting September. It will become the latest addition to Sto. Tomas City’s list of tourism destinations such as the Museo ni Miguel Malvar, and the Saint Padre Pio Parish and Shrine.
Once fully operational, the museum targets to attract up to 5,000 guests per month with the help of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Education (DepEd), and the Philippine Amusement and Entertainment Corporation (PAEC).
“For so long a time, the people only knew how to savor the delicious taste of canned goods. Now with this museum, consumers can now see for themselves a well-kept secret of processing food that only Mega can do,” said Sto. Tomas Mayor Arth Jhun Marasigan.
Mega Prime said the museum also seeks to drive economic growth in the Calabarzon region by generating more jobs and business opportunities.
“The Mega Senses of the Sea can be a popular choice for tourism not only for students, but also by investors, partners, stakeholders, media, and local and foreign guests. Mega Foods contribute more to the much needed revenues to the coffers of our city. It is an added gem to our tourism program and another feather to the laurels of Sto. Tomas City,” Marasigan said.
Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas said the Mega museum comes at an opportune time, citing that the provincial government is also setting up its own museum.
“Mega is invited to be a part of the museum that the provincial government is setting up right now. Not only a place of tourism, but also a place for education, a place where we can motivate and inspire entrepreneurs which can elevate the pride of the Filipinos,” Mandanas said.
