School canteen personnel, MSMEs learn food safety management through TIKME

 School canteen personnel, MSMEs learn food safety management through TIKME

By John Maico M. Hernandez

School canteen personnel and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) gained insights on food safety management and available government support during a seminar conducted as part of Teknolohiya at Inobasyon, Kaagapay ng Micro Enterprises (TIKME) at SM City Sto. Tomas, September 2.

The seminar, titled “School Canteen Food Safety Management and DOST Programs and Services,” brought together teachers and administrative personnel involved in school canteen operations, as well as MSMEs participating in the three-day TIKME activity.

Dr. April Shayne Sulabo, Professor II of the Institute of Food Science and Technology of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, facilitated the discussion on School Canteen Food Safety Management, focusing on the principles and practices needed to ensure that food prepared and served in school canteens is safe for learners.

Meanwhile, Mr. John Maico M. Hernandez, Senior Science Research Specialist of DOST-Batangas, presented the DOST programs and services available to schools, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders seeking science- and technology-based assistance.

In his message, Mr. Eric Dizon, Department Head of the City Livelihood Enterprise Development Office, emphasized the importance of collaboration in strengthening local programs and services through science, technology, and innovation.

“Ang pagtitipon natin ngayon ay isang magandang pagkakataon upang pagsama-samahin ang ating mga kaalaman, kakayahan, at karanasan tungo sa isang layunin—ang patuloy na pagpapalakas ng ating mga programa at serbisyo sa pamamagitan ng agham, teknolohiya, at inobasyon,” he mentioned.

Meanwhile, Ms. Felina C. Malabanan, Provincial Director of DOST-Batangas, thanked the City Government of Sto. Tomas, Rotary Club of Batangas Malarayat, and SM City Sto. Tomas for their collaboration in bringing TIKME closer to MSMEs and other stakeholders.

She also encouraged participants to visit the TIKME activity and explore how science, technology, and innovation can support local enterprises. “Ang aming ipinagmamalaking innovation, ang TIKME, ngayon ay pinakikinabangan ng maraming MSMEs. Kaya inaanyayahan ko po kayong lahat na bumisita dito sa TIKME para personal ninyong makita kung paano nakatutulong ang agham, teknolohiya, at inobasyon sa ating mga MSMEs,” she said.

The seminar formed part of the three-day TIKME activities, which provide MSMEs and other stakeholders access to technology, innovation, technical assistance, and business development opportunities.