As part of his goal to meet the agency’s clients, especially those in the farthest areas of the province, DTI R2 Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Director Atty. Michael B. Paggabao led the team in conducting an onsite visit and in extending Project SAFE (Strengthening the Advocacy on Food safety Enhancement by providing PPEs to MSEs) to some of the farthest barangays and municipalities of the province, specifically, Lublub, Alfonso Castañeda, Imugan, Sta. Fe, Belance, Dupax del Norte, and Darapidap, Aritao on 03-05 September 2024.
The initiative, which was conducted in collaboration with the Cagayan Valley Medical Center (CVMC), is part of the broader efforts of the agency to elevate food safety standards, enhance the competitiveness of local enterprises, and provide support to the value-adding industries of the province.
The team distributed a total of 105 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits, which included gloves, masks, aprons, and coverall suits, to food processors and/or cooperators of the different Shared Service Facility (SSF) Projects.
The beneficiaries were Alfonso Castañeda Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Darapidap ASG Food Processors Group Inc., St. Joseph Parish Multi-Purpose Cooperative – Belance, Greeners Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Bugkalot Coffee Growers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, and Development for Indigenous Women’s Association.
PD Paggabao emphasized that Project SAFE not only provides equipment but also supports local businesses in their efforts to meet safety requirements and grow their markets.
Aside from the awarding of kits, these visits also allowed the DTI team to gather insights on how to better support these enterprises, especially those operating in remote areas. The discussions underscored the agency’s goal of not only providing resources but also fostering an environment where MSMEs can thrive through responsive and targeted assistance.
PD Paggabao was accompanied by TIDS Robelyn Mae Lising, SBC Jannyn Lafeguera, Technical Assistant Arjay Mar Novida, Admin. Asst. Vanessa Mae Saguiped, JBC Jonalyn Peralta, and JBC Michael Angelo Laureta.
As Project SAFE moves forward, DTI R2 Nueva Vizcaya remains focused on ensuring that all areas of the province, regardless of their location, benefit from enhanced food safety measures and support for their local industries.
Date of release: 09 September 2024