DOST-MisOcc to diversify MSME products thru Food Innovation Convergence

September 20, 2022

DOST-MisOcc to diversify MSME products thru Food Innovation Convergence

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Misamis Occidental holds the ribbon cutting and launching of the project: MSMEs Improved Services and Operations for Competitiveness of Communities thru Food Innovation Convergence" in Tangub City.(SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Misamis Occidental launched a project dubbed "MSMEs Improved Services and Operations for Competitiveness of Communities thru Food Innovation Convergence (MISOCC-FIC)" amounting to Php 1.9 million to help Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) improve their food products for enhanced market competitiveness.

Funded by DOST, part of the project is to capacitate the Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology (NMSCST) as a training and skills provider to local MSMEs and the facility will also serve as the Food Technology laboratory for students enrolled in Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology major in Food Technology.

NMSCST College President Dr. Herbert Glenn P. Reyes said that this project will be a great help for MSMEs, their school and the community.

“The ribbon cutting of MSMEs Improved Services and Operations for Competitiveness of Communities thru Food Innovation Convergence project signifies the start of a strong bond between the institution and community in helping each other for the advancement of food technology and research with the active intervention of DOST,” he said.

Meanwhile, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations/OIC-Regional Director, Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang emphasized the importance of concerted efforts towards the realization of the vision, mission, goals and objective not only in the community but in the country as well.

“I have given instruction to my regional director to look into areas of engagement from the perspective of the industry, universities and the local government units. With this we hope that people will be able to realize the importance of what Science, Technology and Innovation can be to them, bringing progress anchored on Science Education Institute (SEI)," he said.

Meanwhile, Provincial Science and Technology Office-Misamis Occidental Provincial Director Eufresnie Ann D. Simbajon said the NMCST and DOST have always been good partners in science, technology and innovation initiatives with the support of LGU Tangub.

“With the establishment of the food innovation convergence in Tangub City, we are aiming for extended shelf-life products, reduction of food spoilage and rejects and also increase production of varied food products with our local MSMEs,” she added.

Among the equipment housed at MISOCC-FIC were spray dryer and vacuum fryer equipment developed by the DOST-Metals Industry and Development Center (MIRDC).

MISOCC Food Innovation Convergence (FIC) is a venue for local residents to develop their ideas and concepts in the field of food processing into innovative and marketable products.(SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)