DTI, Foundation University Launch Facility That Extends Shelf Life of Processed Foods

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has led the launching and inauguration of a multi-million peso facility that will extend the shelf life of processed foods and agricultural products.

The only one of its kind in the entire Negros Island Region (NIR), it is now fully operational.

It is called the Shared Service Facility (SSF) or the Food Development Center in Negros Oriental, constructed at the cost of P6 million and located inside the Foundation University campus in Dumaguete City.

The retort facility was launched and inaugurated Tuesday by DTI Region 7 and currently Region 18 regional director Aster Caberte in the presence of University officials headed by Dr. Mira Sinco and officials from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Science and Technology from both Region 7 and Region 18.

Since the capacity is big, DTI and Foundation University has thought of allowing micro, small, and medium enterprises all over the region to avail of the services of the facility to include dairy producers, fish and marine products, and ready-to-eat products such as “budbud cabog”, a native delicacy.

With this facility, Caberte said the popular “budbud” in Tanjay and “budbud cabog” in the province can go a long way in the export market without refrigerating, given the right packaging.

During calamities, emergency food requirements can also be immediately sourced out from the facility, she pointed out.

Asked why Foundation University, the DTI regional director said it is always strategic to partner with the academe and DOST because research is built in, while DTI is concentrating more on business development.

Caberte said the facility is a vital piece of food processing equipment needed by the business sector, exporters associations, producer groups that can prolong the life of processed foods without refrigerating even for years.

The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) president Ed Du welcomed the latest development, something that Negrenses can be proud of. He said the machine will further boost the competitiveness of local producers and exporters especially in the export industry.

According to Mr. Du, the popular “budbud” in the province can now be exported after it goes through the process using the facility.

He said he has tried exporting choco mango and “budbub” abroad but failed because of the lack of a retort machine. (PNA) LAP/JFP/JUANCHO GALLARDE