DTI embarks on programs for SMEs

THE regional office of the Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI) embarked on various programs for small and
medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region on compliance to food safety
standards.

These initiatives conducted by the DTI-Southern Mindanao are the
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) training, the Halal Products Retail
Merchandising Seminar, and the Awareness Seminar on ISO 2200.

Teolulo T. Pasawa, director of the DTI Southern Mindanao’s National
Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (Nerbac), said the
good manufacturing practices training was held on October 27, 2007 at
Lispher Inn, which was attended by 81 participants.

“The participants were informed of the food
safety standards namely, GMP, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control
Points (HACCP) so they can cope up effectively with the increasing
demand of consumers for safe and quality food,” Pasawa said.

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The Halal Products Retail Merchandising seminar, on the other hand,
was held on November 14
at the Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF),
while the Awareness Seminar on ISO 2200 was held at the Waterfront
Insular Hotel in July.

Pasawa said the Halal Products Retail Merchandising seminar aimed
to increase the level of awareness and appreciation of the halal food
and the opportunities of halal certified products.

He said the Awareness Seminar of ISO 2200 was conducted to raise
awareness of business workers and owners on ISO 2200 or the Food Safety
Management System.