Oro dads , DOST to sign pact for food packaging, labeling services

implementation of developmental programs for identified micro enterprises that will help them rise above the competition by addressing gaps in packaging, training and marketing will continue.

This, after the 18th City Council during its regular session Monday enacted an ordinance authorizing City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno to enter into and sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories-Department of Science and Technology, Region 10 covering the implementation of 2014 Bottoms-Up-Budgeting Project on Food Packaging and Labeling Facilities.

This collaboration seeks to promote livelihood in the local government unit and is in line with its poverty alleviation program.

Specifically, the project will try to increase the marketability of Cagayan de Oro MSMEs’ products thru product improvement in packaging and labeling as well as to increase its capacity to access market thru trade fair and its competitiveness thru capacity building and training.

Through the program, MSMEs can pack their products thru the Food Innovation, Packaging and Labeling Center. They can now use modern packaging equipment without buying an expensive one. Sachet packing, nylon printing and custom fitted packaging, which seemed too ambitious for simple MSMEs, is now doable, The Power learned.

Under the MOU, the city shall provide the DOST the list of beneficiaries availing of the laboratory analysis (Nutritional Facts) of food products, the needed information of the clients’ products to warrant the laboratory analysis, transfer funds amounting to P241,800 to cover 52 beneficiaries, among others.

For its part, the Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories shall coordinate with the city in finalizing the schedule for the laboratory analysis of food products, properly utilize provided funds and see to it that these are used for the purpose, implement laboratory analysis of food products for the identified beneficiaries and submit a report and other related documents within 30 days after the conduct of the laboratory analysis. (SP)