DTI Partners with PTTC to Aid MSMEs in Achieving FDA Compliance
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) MIMAROPA Region has teamed up with the DTI Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) to assist 27 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in achieving regulatory compliance with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This partnership is part of the 2023 Food Connect Program, which aims to expedite the food processing and registration process for these businesses.
Under the program, the 27 food-MSMEs will be trained in three areas: food safety awareness, good manufacturing practice (GMP) implementation, and compliance with Philippine FDA license requirements. The training sessions, conducted via Zoom, began on October 3 and were officially launched by DTI MIMAROPA OIC Regional Director Rodolfo Mariposque and DTI PTTC Executive Director Nelly Nita Dillera.
This initiative builds on the success of a similar virtual program conducted last year, which saw approximately 40 entrepreneurs complete the training. Three participants from the previous program were even able to obtain both an FDA License to Operate (LTO) and an FDA Certificate of Product Registration. Other entrepreneurs who completed the program are currently in the process of acquiring these certifications.
In addition to achieving FDA compliance, the participating MSMEs are also expected to fulfill the necessary documentation requirements aligned with internationally recognized standards. This will enable them to better prepare for market entry and potentially expand into exporting their products.
The collaboration between DTI MIMAROPA and DTI PTTC demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting and empowering MSMEs in the food industry. By providing the necessary training and guidance, these businesses can strengthen their operations and increase their competitiveness in the market.
