Street food vendors in Roxas City received training on Food Safety and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) as part of a science-driven initiative to improve hygiene standards. 

The activity, spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Capiz in partnership with the Roxas City LGU, under the project “A Smarter and Safer Tourism Experience: Digital Guide App for Tourists” and funded through the DOST Grants-in-Aid (GIA) Program, aimed to address persistent challenges in street food vending, including poor sanitation practices, limited awareness of food safety, and non-compliance with national hygiene regulations.

The training focused on vendors operating in high-traffic areas such as public parks, transport terminals, and city halls. Safe food handling is essential to these areas due to the large number of daily consumers.

Ms. Jhoanna N. Bolencis, PFT, Senior Science Research Specialist of DOST VI, led the session titled “Food Safety in the Food Service Industry,” covering topics such as proper food handling, hygiene protocols, prevention of foodborne illnesses, cross-contamination control, and temperature safety, all anchored on current cGMP and national guidelines. Vendors were also oriented on the correct use of personal protective equipment, including aprons, hairnets, and gloves.

By strengthening vendor capacity through science-based training, the initiative not only supports the health and safety of consumers but also enhances Roxas City’s reputation as a clean, secure, and tourist-friendly destination. (LNGGebauer, MACGregorios/ DOST Capiz) 

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