Local entrepreneurs, community stakeholders, and beneficiaries of the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Bicol Program gathered for a Food Safety Awareness training last April 8 in Baras, Catanduanes.
Titled “Lecture on Food Handling and Food Safety Awareness”, the activity was aligned with the efforts to strengthen local enterprises and agricultural livelihood in the town of Baras. Among the participants were 10 members of the SAAD-assisted poultry group, Pursigidong Samahang Manukan ng Danao (PSMD) from Barangay Danao.
The training was spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) along with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Baras, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) – College of Industrial Technology.
The session focused on food safety standards while prioritizing consumer health. It also complemented previous training conducted under SAAD’s Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED) component, reinforcing participants’ knowledge of proper food handling, sanitation practices, and quality control.
Through the activity, participants were better equipped to ensure that their products are safe, compliant with regulations, and more competitive in both local and potential wider markets. A follow-up training on food processing and practical applications, to be facilitated by the same institution, is scheduled for May 13, 2026.
PSMD treasurer Emma Tarroma relayed her appreciation for the training, noting that it added to their existing knowledge and strengthened their confidence in agri-enterprise.
“Maski nag-conduct nan in halos parehas na training samo ang SAAD, may nanud-an kami sa lecture na ini. Magayon ta na refresh kami sa mga alog kaining mga kadunungan ta tuwang ini para sa samong masunod na mga proyekto lalong-lalo na sa community enterprise. Salamat sa Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) pati sa DTI sa pag imbita sa samong grupo,” she shared.
(Although we have undergone similar training sessions under the SAAD program, we were still able to grasp new learnings and experiences. The lectures refreshed our knowledge, which will further support our production and expand our community enterprise. Gratitude to the MAO and DTI for inviting our group.)
Through initiatives like this, participating MSMEs and farmer-beneficiaries are expected to enhance their food safety practice, in that way improving consumer trust and strengthening their position in the local market. ###
Source: Harry A. Pang-an, Business Counselor, DTI Catanduanes Provincial Office; Ronalyn G. Tabuena, Community Development Officer II
