To increase awareness, knowledge, and skills in food technology, twenty-four (24) Micro, Small, and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi benefited from the Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) Food Safety & Halal Compliance Training and Technology Fora.

From September 27 to October 7, 2023, the MOST Technology Application and Promotion Section (TAPS), led by Engr. Norhayla S. Magandia, Senior Science Research Specialist, along with Benjamin S. Salasain, Science Research Specialist II, Al-Rhasid A. Panasang, Science Research Specialist I, and Provincial S & T Centers (PSTC) personnel, conducted the training at various venues in BASULTA where beneficiaries gained more knowledge.

The activity aimed to promote technology and impart knowledge, skills, and best practices in food technology to potential beneficiaries, empowering them to establish and jumpstart their businesses while preparing them for essential compliance steps for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Halal Certification.

In the opening activities, Chief Magandia encouraged the MSMEs and emphasized the significance of understanding food safety and adhering to Halal regulations. She said, ‘Our dear MSMEs, understanding and applying technology in food and being halal-compliant ensure public health and successful business practices.’ She also added that as newcomers to business ventures, they have to adhere to food safety and halal principles and gain skills in processing raw materials through the infusion of technology, which are abundant in their communities.

The cooperatives, associations, or organizations that benefited from the training were as follows:

I. Basilan:

  1. Yusri Kabukisan Compound
  2. Jul-Amri Balakat Compound
  3. Farmers Tipo-Tipo Association
  4. Vendors Tipo-tipo Association
  5. Ex-OFW Balik Manggagawa Association
  6. Bakery and Tailoring Association
  7. Al-Barka Development Association
  8. Darul-Hidzra Silangkum Tipo-Tipo Association
  9. Cabcaban Farmer Association

 

II. Sulu:

  1. Jolo Municipal Women’s Council
  2. Luaslungsad Cooperative
  3. Timbangan Women’s Association
  4. Taga Amulahi Kawman Inc.
  5. Vandi Pnanjihan Agri Cooperative
  6. Osaha Sin Anak Miskin
  7. A&F Cooperative
  8. Tabebeng & Yang Delicacies

 

III. Tawi-Tawi:

  1. LGU – Turtle Island Municipality
  2. LGU – Bongao Municipality
  3. Government Internship Program (GIP) – Bongao Municipality
  4. MJ’s Cafe
  5. Inay’s Restaurant
  6. MTIT – Tawi-Tawi
  7. Banggang Resto

The training not only presented and discussed food safety and halal awareness but also provided technology-related topics on food processing, such as Cassava and Sweet Potato Processing, Coffee Processing, and Fish Processing. These product processing topics were selected because they are among the top commodities in these provinces.

These MSMEs were expected to apply what they have learned during the training as they go aboard on starting or expanding their business ventures. Once they have established their business organizations, they would be able to apply to MOST Technology Transfer and Commercialization Programs (TTCP), providing S & T services, such as provision of processing equipment, renovation of production areas, halal testing and analysis, technology training, product packaging and labeling, and more.

Furthermore, the 55 participants expressed gratitude to MOST for the training provided, as they have gained more knowledge and practical applications that will help them in the development of their business and manpower.

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