VICTORIA, LAGUNA – The Department of Trade and Industry – Laguna Provincial Office (DTI-Laguna) continues to assist micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) enrolled in the Department’s One Town, One Product Next Generation (OTOP Next Gen) Program.

On 4 February 2021, DTI-Laguna facilitated a one-on-one, face-to-face consultancy session with Laguna OTOPreneurs to monitor their progress on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) documentation and preparation.

MSMEs participated in the said activity, provided status regarding their preparation for HACCP Certification, and sought assistance from Engr. Menandro “Nanding” B. Ortego (Resource Person/Consultant) on the improvement of their HACCP documentation. This activity is designed to further assist OTOPreneurs who are willing and ready to apply for the HACCP Certification in 2021-2022 and who are planning to export their products.

This activity is still part of the HACCP Project which started in October 2020 under the OTOP Next Gen Program. HACCP is one of the certifications required by various export markets to ensure safety of food products.

In addition, status and concerns of companies regarding the Value Food Innovation Program (VFIP) of DTI – Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) were discussed for possible realignment plans with the HACCP Project.

Prior the HACCP One-on-One Consultancy, DTI-Laguna and the HACCP Project Resource Person/Consultant attended the initial meeting with the VFIP Team of DTI – CITEM to realign the plans, goals, and preparations of HACCP with the VFIP. Some of the beneficiaries (Brics Ventures; Harito Food Products; Natures Dew) of the HACCP project are also included in the VFIP. The VFIP is one of CITEM’s post-COVID recommended programs to support Philippine food MSMEs in their recovery process as they move towards the new normal. It includes research and development, standard and product testing, labeling and packaging development, market testing, and content marketing and promotion.

This activity is said to be first of many series of activities lined up for MSMEs under the OTOP Next Gen Program of DTI-Laguna for 2021. The next HACCP One-on-One Consultancy will be held at DTI-Laguna, Victoria, Laguna, on 4 March 2021. As agreed, the MSMEs will submit the initial draft of their complete HACCP Documents for checking and comments. The final draft will be included in one of the requirements for HACCP Certfication. ♦

Date of Release: 17 February 2021