Mahinog, CAMIGUIN---Thirty participants, including agriculture and fisheries extension workers, aspiring farmers, and fisherfolk processors, successfully completed the recently concluded Training on Food Safety Handling, Packaging, and Labelling held in Mahinog, Camiguin, on August 14-15, 2024.
The event, conducted in partnership with the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) of Camiguin and the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), was organized in support of the Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES). The training aimed to equip and empower farmers and fisherfolk with small processing businesses to expand their operations and secure accreditation.
Key topics covered during the training included food safety handling, food safety hazards, good manufacturing practices, packaging, labeling, and starting a business, with experts from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) leading the discussions.
On the third day, participants took part in a benchmarking activity at Mama Jita's, a successful LSA processing facility in Mambajao, Camiguin. Mama Jita's, known for its Tablea product, which is now sold in numerous malls across the country, served as a model for effective food safety handling, packaging, and labeling. The facility's owner, Ms. Julieta B. Dela Cerna, shared her challenges, successes, and encouraging words, emphasizing how government agencies have played a crucial role in helping her grow her business.
At the end of the training, participants were tasked with creating re-entry plans related to the training content, which they aimed to accomplish within a minimum of six months. This initiative, led by ATI, encourages the practical application of the skills and knowledge gained during the training. (by: Cheaster Kimberly Magat, photos by Eugelynย Cailing-Mauna)
