FNRI trained Naval food handlers and processors on meal management and food handling

In an effort to improve the awareness and integrate nutritional considerations and proper food handling in commercial food production in the rural areas, The Food and Nutrition Research and Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), the Extension Services Office of Naval State University, and the Local Government Unity of Naval pooled resources in training 24 Food processors, caterers, and trainers on Meal Management and Food Handling on September 7-8, 2010 at Naval State University, Naval, Biliran Province

The training included better meal planning which would improve the participants capability to prepare nutritious, safe and clean, appetizing, and affordable food. These encompasses on areas of food buying, basic nutrition, food costing and cost control, food safety and sanitation, food preparation techniques, and food storage among others.

The ever supportive management of NSU, headed by the University President, Dr. Edita S. Genson, ably represented by the NSU-ESO Director, Dr. Jaime Cagabhion, laid down the physical requirements for the conduct of the training including the venue, the lecture and demonstration facilities, the accommodation of the resource persons, as well as energetic staff who helped facilitate the training. With the eagerness to support and learn at the same time, NSU was able to include 10 members of their staff to attend the training. They will be tasked later to transfer their knowledge to their respective classrooms and their extension areas around the province of Biliran.

The Local Government Unit of Naval, through Honorable Mayor Susan V. Parilla, who is a medical and health practitioner herself, recognized the importance of the seminar for the benefit of the local constituents, enthusiastically provided support both with financial and logistic support for the conduct of the activity. Mayor Parilla, is very optimistic this training would help the local food producers and handlers to consider their social responsibility of distributing food which are not only delicious but are also nutritious and safe to the consuming public.

Local furniture maker receives DOST support

After a series of assessments and parallel consultancy activities, the Caril Furniture of Naval, Biliran finally got the nod from the SETUP NPMO for the support on acquisition of needed power tools for the improvement of its production line.

Caril Furniture, just like many of the local furniture makers specializes on common household items like sala sets, dining set, cabinets, and the likes. They are producing also panel doors, door jambs, and other construction items with carvings. One of the bottlenecks in their operations is on curve cutting and boring which lead them to seek the support of DOST in acquiring equipment for this purpose. (Photo shows the proprietors Mr & Mrs Caril with PSTD Dignos signing the local MOA)

To verify however their actual needs, DOST VIII conducted technology needs assessment (TNA) through the Manufacturing Productivity and Expansion Program (MPEX) tapping the local experts from Naval State University in Naval, Biliran. Result of the consultancy engagement included some recommendations that would enable the firm to improve its operations though production layout improvement, waste management, and improvement of its inventory, accounting, and personnel management. Above all these, was attesting their need to acquire tools and equipment to improve the process.