Reaffirming its commitment to food safety across the province of Palawan, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Palawan, through its flagship programs the One Town, One Product Next Gen, Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan, and Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, organized a one-day Food Safety Seminar for select micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province on May 15, 2025 at the Victoriano J. Rodriguez Hall, Capitol Complex, Puerto Princesa City.

Bringing together 88 MSME-participants from various municipalities in Palawan, this strategic intervention served as a powerful step toward strengthening the competitiveness, regulatory compliance, and market readiness of the local food MSMEs in Palawan.

DTI Palawan hosts food safety seminar for MSMEs at Victoriano J. Rodriguez Hall, Puerto Princesa City, empowering local entrepreneurs with FDA guidance on food safety standards and licensing.

The seminar placed strong emphasis on aligning business operations with national food safety standards, particularly Republic Act No. 10611 or the Food Safety Act of 2013. Serving as key resource speakers were Ms. Rhea May P. Rogelio and Ms. Jorrica Shaina P. Huel, Food Regulations Officers from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – MIMAROPA, who provided expert insights and technical guidance to the MSMEs.

Moreover, the participants received comprehensive understanding on the FDA licensing requirements such as the issuance of License-To-Operate (LTO) and Certificate of Product Registration (CPR), as well as critical food safety principles as enumerated in the DOH AO153 Series of 2004: “Revised Guidelines on Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packing Repacking, or Holding Food”. These included proper food handling, storage, and preparation methods, alongside sanitation and hygiene practices—crucial elements in preventing contamination and controlling the spread of food-borne and waterborne diseases.

Beyond the technical knowledge imparted, the seminar also provided a much-needed platform for MSMEs to raise and discuss common challenges they face in securing FDA licenses and complying with regulatory requirements. Many participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to voice their concerns and receive real-time clarification and guidance from FDA representatives.

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