The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Palawan continues to push for stronger compliance among small enterprises with food safety standards, aiming to boost consumer confidence and enhance the export potential of local products.
DTI Palawan Trade and Development Specialist and Information Officer Francis Ian Uapal said the department has observed a growing number of establishments aligning with these standards.
The majority of small enterprises in the province engaged in the food business are now exploring food manufacturing.
“Kung lahat talaga ay compliant with RA 10611, mas marami siguro yong product na pwede lumabas ng Palawan. Nasi-strengthen natin yong industry, tumataas din ang confidence ng customers to patronize our local products,” he said.
The department recently conducted a food safety seminar for 88 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Palawan. These MSMEs are nearing the application stage for operating their equipment and facilities.
They are also among those receiving assistance under DTI programs such as One Town, One Product (OTOP) Next Gen, the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
MSMEs seeking to apply for a license to operate (LTO) and certificate of product registration (CPR) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must complete an annual food safety seminar.
Uapal noted that the FDA has been strictly monitoring enterprises lacking the required LTO and CPR over the past decade, emphasizing that these documents are essential for food manufacturing and repacking businesses.
“As per our observation, marami talaga ang nag-i-engage sa food manufacturing since food siya, kailangan talaga at isa sa needs natin,” he said.
Most food manufacturing MSMEs in Palawan are still in the trial or market testing stage. Many of them have been operating for only one or two years and have yet to establish separate production facilities.
“Karamihan kasi sa trial stage, pina-process nila na same pa rin sa kitchen nila sa bahay. Sabi kasi sa batas, ang food manufacturing, ang mga pagkain ay dapat i-process natin separately,” he said.
Uapal added that full compliance with food safety regulations would help increase public trust in local products and ultimately contribute to economic growth. (PIA)
