The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Region 2 – Processed Fruits and Nuts (PFN) clients, namely Enrile Farmers’ Cooperative from Cagayan and Jeremiah 33:3 Food Products from Isabela, together with Ren Mark Marcelo of DTI Regional PFN, held the course one, track one of the Food Connect Program for PFN micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) last 29 June 2021.
The activity was an initiative of the National Industry Cluster Coordinator of Processed Fruits and Nuts (PFN) through its implementation of the Philippines FEAST (Food Enterprise Advancement through Sustainable Technologies) Program in partnership with the Philippine Trade Training Center.
Food Connect is a series of trainings and workshops that will aid the MSMEs in preparing the needed documentary requirements for their License to Operate (LTO) thru the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) application. These trainings will also educate food manufacturers on the standard documentation and application of gate-to-plate processes in the food chain.
Furthermore, the activity is in line with the national PFN roadmap to establish productivity and efficiency improvement program that aims to build capacity through conduct of trainings for PFN MSMEs on food safety and quality assurance, and facilitate FDA certification.
“This [program] is a very strategic move for the cluster as everyone is preparing to navigate the new normal courtesy of this pandemic,” said Undersecretary (Usec.) Blesila S. Lantayona as she encouraged the participants to actively participate in the activity and comply with all the requirements. “Now, more than ever is the best time to capacitate the industry players and prepare for the new normal as we navigate around COVID-19, I encourage you to move towards your goals regularly and continuously work on the accomplishments of your realistic goals,” added Usec. Lantayona.
DTI’s commitment to support and assist the PFN MSMEs beyond the training was also emphasized by Usec. Lantayona.
The activity will run from 29 June to 27 August 2021 with a total of 16 days of seminars, workshops, and consultations. ♦
Date of Release: 9 July 2021