Cebu City – Twenty-Five (25) Agriculture Extension Workers, Learning Sites for Agriculture Operators and Academe practitioners from the four provinces of Region VII participated the Safer Food, Better Health: A Food Safety and GMP Training at MJ Hotel & Suites on April 19-21, 2022, this City.
The Series of topics discussed includes an introduction to food safety and good manufacturing practices (GMP), food safety contaminants and hazards, GMP and program, sanitation standard operating procedures, good aquacultural practices, fish handling, and meat safety. Resource speakers were Bryan Ybanez and Anne Michelle Ramirez of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) VII, Laila Bragat of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) VII, and Ma. Liz Calunsag of National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) VII.
Safer Food, Better Health aims to capacitate participants’ knowledge, skills, and orientation/attitude with knowledge of food safety, good manufacturing practices, and other food safety-related regulations. A plant tour at Profoods International Corporation- the largest Philippine-based dried fruit producer located in Mandaue City also highlighted the event. It allowed participants to learn and appreciate how manufacturing processes work and the importance of food safety and GMP.
After the training, the participants are expected to explain the basic requirements and importance of food safety in food production/processing. Likewise, describe the elements of GMP and SSOP and their significance in food processing/manufacturing; expound the importance of personal hygiene, cleaning, and sanitation in preventing food contamination; and discuss the current market regulations and certification requirements.
A one-year re-entry plan was crafted by the attendees after the training. Safer Food, Better Health was facilitated by Doris Isabel J. Racho, ATI-7 Food Safety Officer assisted by May Joy P. Luzon.
“I have learned new topics which can be used as an extension worker. I understand that Food safety is essential in all aspects. Understanding food safety and GMP is a significant skill that can be applied to our locality and as an AEW. This training has enhanced and given me extensive knowledge of food handling.” - Gratchie Villaruel,