BUENAVISTA, AGUSAN DEL NORTE — Fifteen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, have completed a specialized training on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Food Safety conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Agusan del Norte through Negosyo Center Buenavista. The training, held on September 30, 2026, at the Negosyo Center Buenavista – Teofisto Guingona Sr. Children's Park in Poblacion 9, aimed to strengthen the capacity of local food-based enterprises to meet regulatory standards and produce safe, quality products for consumers.
Why Good Manufacturing Practices Matter for Food MSMEs
For food-based MSMEs, compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices is not merely a regulatory requirement: it is a fundamental pillar of business sustainability and consumer trust. The training covered essential topics, including Introduction to GMP and Personal Hygiene, facilitated by Ms. Annette F. Anduyan, Chief TIDS, and Introduction to Food Safety, Handwashing, and Food Preparation Design and Facilities, led by Mr. Ramabe D. Montilla, Senior TIDS. Participants gained practical knowledge on proper food handling, effective handwashing techniques, sanitary food preparation areas, and the application of GMP principles in daily operations. These skills are critical for preventing foodborne illnesses, maintaining product consistency, and ensuring that local food products meet the safety standards required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Food Safety Act of 2013.
Building Consumer Confidence and Market Competitiveness
The training reflects a broader effort by DTI to strengthen the competitiveness of MSMEs by equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to comply with food safety regulations. By understanding proper sanitation, personal hygiene, and facility design, food entrepreneurs can reduce the risk of contamination, extend product shelf life, and improve the overall quality of their offerings. This, in turn, enhances consumer confidence and opens doors to wider market opportunities, including retail partnerships, institutional buyers, and participation in trade fairs where compliance with food safety standards is a prerequisite. The initiative also aligns with the goals of the Philippine Food Safety Act, which mandates that food businesses adhere to established standards to protect public health.
A Commitment to Responsible Entrepreneurship
Through continuous capacity-building initiatives like this GMP and Food Safety Training, DTI – Agusan del Norte and Negosyo Center Buenavista reaffirm their commitment to nurturing responsible entrepreneurship and promoting quality in the local food industry. The participants represent a diverse range of food-based MSMEs whose products contribute to the local economy and the culinary identity of Buenavista and the broader Agusan del Norte province. As these enterprises apply their newfound knowledge, they not only protect their customers but also strengthen their own resilience and reputation, positioning themselves for sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
