Beneficiaries of CDO’s livelihood assistance program in Lipa City undergo food safety, financial literacy seminar

 Beneficiaries of CDO’s livelihood assistance program in Lipa City undergo food safety, financial literacy seminar

Ten beneficiaries of CDO Foodsphere, Inc. - Odyssey Foundation, Inc.’s Gabay Kabuhayan Livelihood Assistance Program in Lipa City attended a seminar on Basic Food Hygiene (BFH) and Financial Literacy conducted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Batangas at the Lipa City Packaging Center, Public Market, Lipa City, Batangas, on January 23.

The seminar aimed to equip the beneficiaries with the knowledge and skills in both food safety and financial management to help them operate their food vending businesses sustainably. It also served as a step in empowering the beneficiaries to effectively manage their livelihoods and improve their economic well-being.

As part of the livelihood assistance program, the participants received street food vending starter packages, which included products, tools, and equipment to help them establish their businesses. To ensure that the program’s objectives will be met, DOST-Batangas organized the seminar on BFH and Financial Literacy.

The BFH seminar covered topics such as sanitary permits, health certificates, food safety standards, establishment maintenance, hygiene practices, and pest control. The goal was to ensure that the beneficiaries understood and would strictly adhere to food safety regulations to prevent foodborne illnesses and promote public health.

In addition, the financial literacy session focused on empowering participants with essential business skills, including budgeting, cost management, maximizing profits, and making informed financial decisions. These skills are considered key to ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of their businesses.

Mr. Romel C. Quinay, a member of the DOST-CALABARZON Food Safety Team, served as the resource speaker during the seminar. By John Maico M. Hernandez