DOST and Batac tap MMSU for food safety training for handlers

By Jeremy Pascual
Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), in collaboration with the City Government of Batac and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Regional Office No. 1, to enhance food safety practices among handlers. A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed on April 16 at the Chinese Learning Center to launch the food safety program.
MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., represented by Vice President for Academic Affairs Aris Reynold Cajigal, joined the signing together with the Director of DOST-Region 1 Teresita Tabaog, represented by the Assistant Regional Director of DOST 1 Decth-1180 Libunao, City Mayor of Batac Mark Christian Chua, CAFSD Dean Charlie Batin, City Agriculturist Mark Allan Abad, and Sanitation Inspector III Charles Franco.
The program will be administered by the MMSU College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development.
Dr. Cajigal echoed the support of the MMSU administration to ensure the completion and success of the program. He recognized the importance of proper training for food handlers in maintaining public safety.
“We need to provide safe food, and we can do this by ensuring that food handlers are well-prepared and properly trained,” he stated.
Mayor Chua, on the other hand, acknowledged the current gaps in training among food handlers in the city and expressed gratitude to MMSU and DOST for initiating the program.
“We are committed to improving food handling practices and investing in the proper training of those who handle our food,” he said.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by university officials, representatives from the partner agencies, and food handlers.