To enhance food safety standards and elevate food-related tourism in the region, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 02, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 02, conducted a two-day training on the Food Safety Grading System from April 2 to 3, 2025, at Go Hotels, Tuguegarao City.
Through experts from the DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), the training introduced a standardized Food Inspection Checklist (FIC), Code of Standards (COS), and Operations Manual (OM), providing participants with essential tools to strengthen food safety measures in micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) food establishments. This initiative also aims to support regulatory enforcement and further establish the region as a premier gastronomic tourism hub.
The first day of training, focused on discussions led by food safety experts from DOST-FNRI.
Ms. Claire Malibiran-Gacias, Science Research Specialist II, explained the FIC and COS, while Ms. Mary Ann D. Gironella, Supervising Science Research Specialist provided a detailed guide on the OM for Risk-Based Inspections. Moreover, Mr. Eirene Agustin B. Arnejo, Science Research Specialist I demonstrated the Risk-Based Inspection process, covering evaluation criteria, required documentation, and compliance measures.
On the second day of the training, participants applied their knowledge in mock inspections at two well-known Tuguegarao City food establishments. This practical exercise allowed them to assess real-world compliance with the Food Safety Grading System, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
The participants were grouped and assigned to different criteria, allowing them to inspect two establishments. The activity reinforced the importance of systematic food inspections, equipping participants with the necessary skills to conduct regulatory assessments, which they can apply in their respective institutions.
With this initiative, Tuguegarao City becomes the first LGU in the country to conduct training on the Food Safety Grading System.
The training gathered 60 participants from various institutions, including Quirino State University (QSU), Cagayan State University (CSU), Medical Colleges of Northern Philippines (MCNP), University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao (USLT), and University of Cagayan Valley (UCV). Representatives from key government agencies, such as the Cagayan Tourism Office, City Tourism Office, Provincial Warden Office, and City Health Office, as well as representatives from the Provincial Offices of DOST Region 02, also participated in the training.
By strengthening food safety enforcement, the DOST Region 02, under the leadership of Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera, DOT Region 02 led by Dr. Troy Alexander Miano, DOST-FNRI and other agencies partnership ensures that local food establishments adhere to high safety standards, benefiting both residents and tourists. As Tuguegarao City the implementation of this pioneering this training initiative, other LGUs in the region may soon follow, setting a new benchmark for food safety and quality in the country.