The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Food Safety Manual Project team, headed by Dr. Johannes M. Magpusao, launched its Participatory Food Safety Manual titled, "Food Safety and Community: A Practical Guide to Food Safety for Food Service MSMEs in Urbanized areas of Iloilo" on June 7, 2024 at the Performing Arts Hall, UP Visayas, Iloilo City.
The launching of the manual coincides with the celebration of the World Safety Day on the same day, June 7.
The Food Safety Manual Project team is composed of experts from the School of Technology (SoTech), with collaborators from the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, and the Regional Research Center.
In support of the flourishing gastronomic culture in Iloilo City as a Creative City of Gastronomy declared by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the manual is the University’s initiative to inform the public of the significance of food safety. The manual is designed for the needs of food handlers in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the food industry of Iloilo City and areas in Iloilo province.
The team has partnered with the local government units (LGU) of Iloilo City, Dumangas, and Oton for the project. Ms. Raisa Treñas-Chu and Ms. Rebecca Toledo represented the LGUs of Iloilo City and Oton, respectively, during the launching, where the official cover and excerpts from the manual were shown.
Chancellor Clement Camposano welcomed the guests and the officials of UPV. He reiterated the importance of food safety in the city and province of Iloilo.
Meanwhile, Treñas-Chu gave her response on behalf of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas. She acknowledged the contribution of UPV SoTech in developing a comprehensive food safety manual tailored to the needs of the Ilonggo community.
The Food Safety Manual Project team is composed of Dr. Johannes Magpusao, project leader; Mr. Kristoffer Panes, illustrator; Dr. Alicia Gonzales; language editor; Ms. Emiliza Lozada; Dr. Jade Pahila; Mr. Janreich Miramon; Mr. John Ray Molavin; Mr. Jose Marie Eslopor; Asst. Prof. Lumen Tejano; Prof. Eliodora Dimzon; and Dr. Johan Santanina Alumbro.
