TARLAC CITY (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Tarlac State University (TSU) have launched an upgraded food research and testing laboratory to provide micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Tarlac and neighboring areas with affordable food testing services.
Funded through DTI’s Shared Service Facilities (SSF) Program, the facility will offer microbiological and physicochemical testing to help MSMEs in the food industry assess their products’ quality and safety and comply with the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
DTI Regional Director Edna Dizon emphasized the importance of making technical services more accessible to small business owners.
“Our MSMEs need easy access to services. The SSF Program brings resources closer to them, providing the expertise, information, and partnerships they need to succeed,” she said.
Meanwhile, Governor Christian Yap recognized the initiative as a contributing factor to the province’s recent recognition as the country’s most business-friendly province.
“MSMEs are among the biggest contributors to our economy. We want them to grow, turn their products into household names, reach wider markets, and eventually become large industries that generate more employment in our province,” he added.
To sustain the partnership, DTI, TSU, FDA, and the Provincial Government of Tarlac committed to strengthening research and testing services, supporting enterprise development, and promoting innovation in the province.
With the facility housed at the TSU Center for Food Technology and Research, University President Jasper Jay Mendoza assured that the university would maintain the facility and ensure its accessibility to business owners.
“We will keep this laboratory active and useful. We will uphold the accuracy and reliability of our testing services because entrepreneurs depend on our results, and consumers depend on them. We will protect that chain of trust,” he said.
Meanwhile, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Tarlac President Aileen Chan recognized the facility as an opportunity for local business owners to improve their products and grow their businesses.
“Through PCCI, we are ready to help connect market-ready products with businesses, supermarket chains, and potential buyers across the region and the country,” she stated.
The facility’s services will help MSMEs address technical challenges related to product safety, quality, and competitiveness while preparing their products for wider markets, supporting the government’s broader efforts to strengthen local enterprises and promote economic growth.
To reach more MSMEs, DTI and TSU will also promote the facility’s services, guide entrepreneurs through the requirements and procedures, and facilitate referrals through Negosyo Centers.
The initiative is expected to help more local food businesses improve product safety and quality, meet regulatory requirements, and strengthen their competitiveness as they expand into wider markets. (CLJD/AJRR, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)
