Few of the 28 sets of equipment granted by DTI for the first Food Testing Laboratory in Region 8

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched the first Food Testing Laboratory in Region 8 located at the Visayas State University (VSU) Baybay, Leyte on 14 March 2019.

Through the Shared Service Facility Program, DTI granted P20 M worth of equipment and machine for the food testing laboratory. DTI Leyte Provincial Office and VSU saw the opportunity to address the gap in the food processing sector in Leyte and the rest of the region. One of the prevailing concerns of food processors is the absence of accessible and affordable laboratory analysis services relevant to the mandate of the Republic Act 3720 and DOH Administrative Order No. 30 s. 2014 which is the mandatory labelling of its product contents/ingredients.

This facility will provide food and beverage product laboratory analysis services to help MSMEs comply with labelling requirements; direct business development assistance; professional network and support; and research and development on food nutrition and safety.

L-R: Dr. Edgardo Tulin (President of VSU), Dir. Jerry Clavesillas (DTI-BSMED), Asec. Blesila Lantayona (DTI-ROG), Dir. Desiderio Belas, Jr. (DTI Leyte); Former Regional Director Cynthia Nierras, OIC Regional Director Celerina Bato (DTI 8) during the launch of the Laboratory.

“Facilities like food laboratories are essential for our MSMEs to upgrade, meet quality standards, and become more competitive with the foreign products in the market,” says Asec. Blesila Lantayona of the DTI Regional Operations Group. She also encouraged the importance of collaborating and establishing networks with other established share service facilities to fully support product development.♦

Date of release: 15 March 2019