MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)--Bong Galon Herbal Oil in Bukidnon, Northern Mindanao, acquired a License to Operate with the support of consultancy and training services from the Department of Science and Technology. They successfully pass evaluations and inspections required by the Food and Drug Administration.

With an FDA-LTO secured, the company can now serve customers in various regions, including Sarangani Province, General Santos City, and Davao City, from September 2023 to September 2024.

DOST strengthened the firm's quality assurance and documentation through comprehensive training on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). It involved creating GMP manuals on sanitation, hygiene, packaging, labeling, and plant layout mentoring.

Through the Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program (MPEX), DOST sent consultants to the processing area in the municipality of Maramag to improve the products and processes. This initiative aims to improve product quality and production efficiency, fostering competitiveness in both local and international markets.

Salvador ‘Bong’ Galon, the founder and CEO of the firm, expressed his profound excitement and pride regarding this remarkable achievement. 

"Sulod sa 24 ka tuig nga paghulat, dakong kalipay ang akong gibati kay nakab-ot ko na ang akong gipangandoy nga License to Operate gikan sa FDA. Sa tabang sa DOST ako gyud nakab-ot ang maong tinguha ug pangandoy. (After a 24-year wait, achieving my dream of obtaining an FDA License to Operate brings me great joy. Thanks to DOST, I've realized this goal and aspiration)," he said.

Galon upgraded its technology with DOST's Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), enhancing herbal oil filling and capping processes.

Through SETUP, the firm now produces 4,100 bottles each month, a 39 percent increase since the DOST intervention. 

As first in the Health and Wellness Category, assisted by DOST Bukidnon to secure FDA-LTO, Bong Galon Herbal Oil sets a high benchmark for MSMEs, showcasing their commitment to regulatory standards and product quality, driving progress in the province's health and wellness sector. (GHC/DOST Bukidnon/PIA 10/Bukidnon)