ABORLAN, PALAWAN — In line with the government’s efforts to promote and ensure food safety in the country, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Palawan through the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) organized a one-day Food Safety Management Seminar for the Aborlan Rainbow Marketing Cooperative on May 06, 2024, in Barangay Iraan, Aborlan, Palawan.

The activity, which was attended by the 18 production officers and staff of the Aborlan Rainbow Marketing Cooperative, provided a platform for discussion on how to standardize the group’s operating procedures aligned with the Republic Act 10611 or the Food Safety Act of 2013. 

Through this activity, the program enablers were able to educate the participants on the current good manufacturing practices – a major requirement in ensuring high-quality products. Participants were taught the importance of proper food handling, storage, and preparation, as well as sanitation and hygiene practices as necessary steps in preventing food contamination and foodborne and waterborne illnesses. They were also informed about the necessary permits and licenses required for food production and sales. 

DTI Palawan Trade-Industry Development Specialist Francis Ian Uapal facilitated the discussion on Food Safety Management for the Aborlan Rainbow Marketing Cooperative on May 06, 2024, in Barangay Iraan, Aborlan, Palawan.

During the session, DTI Palawan Trade-Industry Development Specialist Francis Ian Uapal emphasized the importance of food safety in business operations primarily because food business operators have a responsibility to produce and place clean, safe, and fresh banana chips products in the market as mandated in the Philippine food regulatory system.

The activity is in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Palawan through the Provincial Economic Enterprise Development Office (PEEDO). This collaboration between the DTI Palawan and the Provincial Government of Palawan highlights the importance of government agencies working together to promote food safety for the benefit of consumers while promoting sustainable development of the local industries in the province. ♦

Date of release: 09 May 2024