Ilonggo MSMEs avail DOST’s packaging, labeling assistance

To develop and enhance the market competitiveness of locally produced food products in Region VI through the provision of product packaging services, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-6 in partnership with the provincial government through the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion (LEDIP) Division of the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), turned over the packaging and labelling materials to 49 micro enterprises in the province of Iloilo last May 30, 2019 at Casa Real, General Luna St., Iloilo City.

The materials given during the turnover program include label design prototypes in compliance with the labeling requirements of the Philippines, initial volume of printed label prototypes; and initial volume of packaging materials.

Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga, DOST-6 regional director, emphasized the importance of having a proper packaging system that is not only limited to better visual presentation of the product but a structure that is able to protect, preserve and extend the shelf life of the product.

Gelonga also cited the different firms successfully assisted by DOST-6 that started with the packaging and labeling assistance that enabled them to expand their market and improve their production facilities as the level of service extended by DOST to these firms also increased.

Aside from the said turnover, the agency has also provided seminars and consultancies to the firm-beneficiaries which were conducted last November 2018.

Moreover, DOST-6 provides seminar-workshop on packaging and labeling and the mandatory labelling requirements of the Philippines, seminar on food safety, and current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) and packaging technical consultancy. (DOST-6/J. R. A. Gabiota with photos from Iloilo PSTC)