Manolo Fortich, BUKIDNON–To strengthen Loulens Inc.’s regulatory compliance and food safety handling practices, the Department of Science and Technology – Bukidnon (DOST Bukidnon) conducted a two-day Food Safety Compliance Training for their 28 employees.
The session covered Philippine Food Safety Regulations, FDA Licensing and Certification, food safety hazards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP).
“Dako kaayo mig natun-an ani nga training, ug daghan salamat sa DOST sa pag-share sa ilang knowledge. Wala mi nagdahom nga daghan pa diay kaayong aspeto sa food processing nga dapat mahibal-an ug bantayan. Dili jud diay sayon nga once naanaka sa planta, igo nalang ka maghimo ug produkto, kay daghan pa diay kaayong mga kinahanglan hunahunaon, labi na ang kahinlo sa lugar, ang safety sa produkto, ug ang proteksyon sa mga konsumer nga mukaon sa among mga pagkaon,” said one of the participants of the training
[ “We learned a lot from this training, and we are very thankful to DOST for sharing their knowledge. We didn’t expect that there were still so many aspects of food processing that we needed to understand and pay attention to. It turns out that it’s not that easy. Once you’re in the plant, it’s not just about producing the product. There are many things you need to consider, especially the cleanliness of the place, the safety of the product, and the protection of the consumers who will eat our food.” ]
The DOST Food Safety Training aligns with the Northern Mindanao Regional Development Plan 2023-2028 to sustain and intensify food safety measures for consumers to access affordable, safe, and nutritious food.
The program combined lectures, case studies, and practical applications to help integrate food safety principles into daily operations.
DOST promotes a food safety culture by equipping food processors with essential knowledge and skills, ensuring that locally produced food products meet the highest quality standards and gain consumer trust.
Loulens Inc. is a beneficiary of the DOST banner program, Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) in 2014 for the upgrading of ovens, mixers, and other production equipment, and again in 2018 for the enhancement of their cake baking equipment, including a dough molder, cooker mixer, and other related machinery.
Ms. Agnes Soloveres, owner of Loulens Inc. expressed her thanks in the conduct of this training stating, “Daghang salamat sa DOST for giving us this opportunity na tagaan ug knowledge ug mas ma-improve among mga pamaagi diri sa planta.”
[“Thank you very much to DOST for giving us this opportunity to gain knowledge and improve our practices here in the plant.”]
As Loulens Inc. aims to elevate its production standards, the company expects the training to play a crucial role in enhancing compliance with food safety regulations.
Interested businesses seeking to enhance their food safety practices may email their request letter to [email protected] and [email protected]. (Cristy B. Emeterio, PSTO Bukidnon)
