Aklan, Antique, Capiz MSMEs get aid for packaging, labeling assistance

Three activities related to the Packaging and Labeling (P&L) Assistance Program were conducted by the Department of Science and Technology Region VI’s (DOST VI) Provincial Science and Technology Centers (PSTCs) in Aklan, Antique, and Capiz.

In Aklan, a forum on proper packaging and mandatory labeling requirements was held.  It primarily aimed to spread awareness among Akeanon micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with special focus on food processing firms.

Among the topics discussed were food safety and its importance, foodborne illness and its risk factor, and food contamination.  Additionally, as part of the forum, participants were given an overview of the P&L Assistance Program.  A crash course on Packaging 101 was also tackled followed by a lecture on Mandatory Labeling Requirements.

During the activity, the participants had the chance for a one-on-one consultation wherein four initial label designs were presented to firm-beneficiaries while ten other firms were interviewed for their proposed packaging and label designs.

Additionally, a turnover ceremony of P&L materials was held for Antiqueño beneficiaries for 2021.  Said beneficiaries received the printed labels, packaging materials, and soft copies stored in a flash drive.

Lastly, an orientation on mandatory P&L requirements was conducted for Capiznon MSMEs, who are beneficiaries of the 2022 Packaging Technology Assistance Program.  Discussed during the orientation were crash courses on Basic Principles on Packaging and Labeling and Mandatory Labeling Requirements.  Following the forum is a one-on-one consultation with DOST VI Packaging Technology experts. (KJRGagajena/DOSTVI-KMU)