The program aims to assist entrepreneurs in securing their License to Operate (LTO) and Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) from the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Specialized training
Food Connect is a specialized training package under the DTI-PTTC designed to guide MSMEs functioning as food business operators through the FDA’s rigorous requirements.
A total of 28 MSMEs have enrolled in Course 1, which began virtually on March 31 and is scheduled for in-depth sessions in the first week of May.
The course features three tracks focused on awareness of food safety, documentation for safety systems and sanitation, and compliance with FDA labeling and recall standards.
Course 2, targeting FDA-CPR registration, is scheduled from May 13 to 16 and has 25 MSMEs enrolled. It covers shelf-life testing, product standardization, and CPR documentation requirements. Both courses offer personalized consultations, product testing, and mentoring.
Food safety system to boost competitiveness
DTI MIMAROPA Regional Director EnP. Amormio CJS Benter, CESE, emphasized during the launch that the initiative supports One Town, One Product (OTOP) MSMEs and underlines the importance of robust food safety systems for market competitiveness.
Since 2023, the Food Connect Program has already helped five MSMEs secure FDA-LTOs and enabled two to obtain FDA-CPRs. The program contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty reduction, good health, and economic growth. — Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
