In the time of pandemic, it is very important to safeguard our health and one way to do this is to ensure that the food we consume are clean and safe to eat.

The Department of Science and Technology in Region X conducted a Food Safety Awareness Webinar for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Northern Mindanao on July 10.

There were 54 participants coming from different parts in Northern Mindanao who attended the webinar, thus enabling the entrepreneurs to learn and at the same time remain safe from COVID-19.

The webinar’s primary objective is to earn and strengthen consumer trust in Food Safety amidst the pandemic.

“It gives consumers the confidence to buy food sold in the market when they know that the manufacturers are knowledgeable in food safety,” said Stephanie Y. Ibarra, DOST-X Food Safety Secretary, as she stressed the importance of the webinar in these current times.

The webinar tackled the importance of food safety, the hazards and risks involved in the absence of food safety, and an introduction to good manufacturing practices (GMP). These key areas are vital in encouraging MSMEs to maintain food safety in their operation and in supplying them with factual information towards manufacturing safe foods for the public.

More importantly, the webinar proves true that learning never stops even when COVID-19 is still on the rise.

Lesli N. Uy, Science Research Specialist II of DOST-Bukidnon and one of the speakers in the webinar, said that “Through this webinar, we can say that learning never stopped even if there is a pandemic.”

The participants also expressed their gratitude to DOST-X through their comments. One, in particular, expressed his thankfulness saying “Winner na kami namga MSMEs sa webinar for the knowledge and info from DOST-X. (We already consider ourselves as winners for the knowledge and information we gain from DOST-X through this webinar)”.

DOST-X will continue to uphold its mandate and provide S&T services to the public even amidst the current threat. For more upcoming webinars and online training, interested parties may contact the agency through DOST 10 Facebook Page and website.