TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Department of Trade and Industry in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology and the Kalinga State University recently opened the Cordillera’s first Shared Service Facility (SSF) on Food and Analytical Laboratory at the KSU Central Science Laboratory.
The facility worth P5.8 million will cater to students of KSU, researchers, and micro, small, and medium enterprises for the continuing improvement of safe and competitive food products.
The laboratory project is designed to complement the food processing sector and to establish improved and safe food products available to better serve customers.
Proponent Dr. Bernadette Aggabao of KSU said DTI provided P4.8 million with DOST counterpart of P1M for the purchase of laboratory equipment to conduct physical and chemical analyses of food products of MSMEs and researchers across the province and neighboring provinces like Mountain Province, Ifugao, Isabela, and Cagayan.
KSU President Eduardo T. Bagtang expressed gratitude to DTI and DOST for assisting KSU in preparing the technical works to comply with the requirements needed to qualify as a recipient of the food and analytical laboratory equipment.
He said KSU conducts researches, which once proven to be beneficial, can be extended to its clients.
The parties, with DTI-Cordillera Director Juliet P. Lucas and Bagtang, also signed a memorandum of agreement and usufruct agreement relative to the establishment of the SSF. Also present during the event were DTI-Kalinga Director Renie M. Ramos, DOST Kalinga OIC Dexy Catacutan, Regie Wacas who represented Rep. Allen Jesse C. Mangaoang, Aira Edduba for Gov. James S. Edduba, Henry B. Gupaal for Tabuk City Mayor Darwin C. Estrañero, KSU faculty, staff and students, and local MSMEs. – Peter Balocnit
