Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 10 and in collaboration with the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) launched the 2022 Food Connect Training Program on 19 April 2022.

A total of 28 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under the coffee, processed fruits and nuts, high valued coconut products, cacao, processed food, and health & wellness clusters in the region joined the first batch of the program for 2022.

Food Connect Program is a 16-day training series and workshop that will aid the MSMEs in preparing the documentary requirements needed to comply with the Food and Drug Administration’s License to Operate and Certificate of Product Registration (FDA LTO and CPR) application.

The MSMEs will also be assisted on product standardization and other requirements as part of DTI Region 10’s product development initiatives.

“This is our third run. And so far in the last two runs that we made, we were able to get very positive feedback from the participants that they learned so much and that they felt confident insofar as their quality of the products is concerned and as far as readiness to pursue the FDA certification.” DTI-10 Assistant Regional Director Ruel B. Paclipan said during his welcome remarks.

“It is our hope, our wish that all twenty-eight will be able to finish the course and will be able to eventually register at the FDA as well.”

The launching was immediately followed by a discussion on awareness on food safety, current good manufacturing practice, and Philippine FDA-license to operate documentary requirements by food consultant and trainer, Ms. Maria Luz C. Lizada.

The Food Connect Program runs from 19 April 19 to 24 June 2022. ♦

Date of Release: 22 April 2022