Photo courtesy: Department of Agriculture - Eastern Visayas
Ms. Tifanny P. Baguio and Ms. Lourence Mae B. Alkuino, representatives from ViCARP Secretariat, attended the Food Safety Caravan 2022 organized by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 8 (DA-RFO8) in collaboration with the Local Government of Ormoc City with the theme "Kaunon lang ang Limpiyo ug Sigurado para Luwas ta sa Peligro" on July 28, 2022 at Ormoc Superdome.
Food Safety Caravan is one of the highlights during the celebration of Nutrition Month in Ormoc City. Ms. Maria Elena A. Mendoza, Ormoc City Agriculturist, introduced the various associations and guest speakers. Ormoc City Vice Mayor, Hon. Carmelo "Toto" Locsin, Sr. gave a welcome message to all participants.
Dr. Angel C. Enriquez, DARFO8 Regional Executive Director, delivered an inspirational message emphasizing food sufficiency and strict implementation of food safety to avoid food poisoning in the City.
Resource speakers presented and deliberated topics about Food Safety. Regional Food Safety Coordinator, Ms. Marilyn T. Ritaga, talked about the Salient Features of the Food Safety Act of 2013; Ormoc City Agriculturist, Ms. Maria Elena A. Mendoza, talked about Food Safety on Crops; City Veterinarian, Dr. Jose Arnil C. Corong, talked about Food Safety on Livestock; Marketing Manager of Highlands bbq House, Mr. Keith A. Bitor, talked about Best Practices of Local Restaurant Operator; and Farm Owner, Mr. Olegario F. Paredes, Jr.,talked about Best Farm Practices of an Organic Certified Farm; Food Safety Focal-BAI, Mr. Hernando M. Tapia talked about Prudent Use of Antimicrobials; FPA Regional Officer, Mr. Gary Dela Cruz talked about Prudent Use of Pesticides; and Food Safety Focal-BFAR, Mr. Niño Carlo C. Isnit talked about Food Safety Hazards on Seafoods.
After the presentations, an interactive discussion was stimulated during the open forum led by panelists, Mr. Gary Dela Cruz of Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) and Mr. Hernando M. Tipa of Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).
The successful activity was in partnership with the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA).
