DTI unveils MSME enabling program

MANILA -The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched a program to help micro, small and medium (MSMEs) enterprises in the food processing industry comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.

The DTI said that its office in the Mimaropa (Mimaropa (Mindoro Occidental and Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) region had partnered with the Philippine Trade Training Center to implement the “Food Connect Program.”

The initiative will include three tracks, including raising awareness on food safety, good manufacturing practice and FDA documentary requirements.

The second track focuses on issues on documentation, establishment of safety and quality management systems and good manufacturing practices.

The final track will tackle issues on compliance with the FDA to obtain the license to operate.

The DTI expects the program to benefit at least 27 MSMEs focused on food processing.

The participating MSMEs are anticipated to meet the essential documentation prerequisites aligned with internationally recognized standards, preparing them for the market and exportation, the DTI said.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, 99.5 percent of businesses in the country are MSMEs, making them the backbone of the Philippine economy.