The activity was made possible through the One Town One Program (OTOP) of DTI-MIMAROPA which aims to ensure that MSMEs in the food sector are aware and comply with statutory food safety regulations.
DTI-MIMAROPA Regional Director (RD) Joel B. Valera urged the participating MSMEs to comply with the statutory regulations to ensure that they keep up with varying consumer demands and adhere to industry regulations, packaging requirements, and food safety standards. Additionally, RD Valera emphasized that the agency has allotted funds to shoulder the MSMEs’ costs on documentary requirements that are in line with the recognized standards of Codex Alimentarius.
According to the Food Safety Act, a strengthened food safety regulatory system in the Philippines shall protect consumer health and facilitate market access to local food and food products. Its objective is to protect the public from food-borne and water-borne illnesses and unsanitary, unwholesome, misbranded, or adulterated foods; enhance industry and consumer confidence in the food regulatory system, and achieve economic growth and development by promoting fair trade practices and a sound regulatory foundation for domestic and international trade.
Finally, DTI MIMAROPA Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Rodolfo J. Mariposque has underlined that food safety seminars, such as this, serve as a big first step in maintaining food, health, and economic security, especially among the rural communities. ARD Mariposque also invited the participants to join DTI MIMAROPA’s other activities related to food safety and business development.