DTI's food processing survey gets to Jagna

JAGNA – WITH tourism industry revving and agro-economy beginning to ignite, Boholanos are now looking at possible mini-economic drivers to steer development to its afterburners and transit the province at high speeds. In its most recent step to keep pace with the development, sectors are now into weighing the possibility of food processing to ably supplement a tourism that feeds on the products of the land. The move has also caught concerned government agencies, who see the chance as an open door for more livelihood opportunities and less wasted food from the farms. To set the tone for the feasibility of such industry, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has recently rounded the province to conduct a survey on food processors and gather data relevant to financing a food processing plant here.

Last October 26 for example, in DTI in coordination with the provincial government gathered food sector stakeholders here. Vice-mayor Teopisto Pagar Sr. working for Mayor Exuperio Lloren reacted favorably to the letter from Gov. Erico Aumentado asking for Jagna to coordinate with the DTI on its request for the activity. On capitol's cue, the vice mayor called concerned individuals in the food processing industry here to a gathering to easily facilitate the survey at the Capt. Goyo Caseñas Session Hall. At the program's statement of purpose, participants and respondents learned that the survey aims to come up with the current reality situationer for the food processing industry.

The data would serve as the basis in setting up a packaging facility in the province. Among those Jagna food sector respondents were the calamay makers, bakery, tableya makers, cookie bakers, ice cream peddlers, nata de coco and ginger powdered salabat makers. At the gab, participants filled up the industry profile survey forms which are hoped to gather statistical and relevant data on the management, production, marketing and financial situation of products processing. The team, led by DTI's Jess Bernasor focused on the packaging facility, which he said would carry standardized quality products' maintenance and control. He further emphasized the relevance of this industry to attain a high level of food safety. Bernasor hoped that with the completion of the province wide survey, the DTI could come up with the desired data that could be the basis for further feasibility studies for food processors.

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