P4.8M first Shared Service Facility on Food, Analytical Lab in CAR opened in Kalinga

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Following the ceremonial launching held Friday, September 30, the researchers, students, and the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) may now access the P4.8 million worth Shared Service Facility (SSF) on Food and Analytical Laboratory at the Central Science Laboratory at Kalinga State University.

The SSF is a flagship project of the Department of Trade and Industry aimed at improving the productivity and efficiency of MSMEs through better access to technology.

The SSF project lead, Dr. Bernadette Aggabao, relayed that the proposal for said facility was conceptualized by the university-cooperator, in partnership with Department of Science and Technology in Kalinga and Cordillera, to address the lack of equipment to perform testing requests they received during the height of COVID-19 pandemic.

Realizing the laboratory’s importance, the provincial and regional Department of Trade and Industry supported the initiative approving its funding.

The laboratory is equipped with infrared sterilizer, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS), among others that can be utilized for hypo-chemical screening, analyzing total sugar, testing for acidity of products, testing the percentage of alcohol of beverages, and the like.

The launching was considered by Provincial Director of DTI-Kalinga Renie Ramos as a breakthrough since the need of recipients for laboratory analysis to improve the marketability of local products will now be addressed.

Ramos further conveyed that the food and analytical laboratory is a “perfect complementation” of the SSF on Rice Noodles Processing launched on November 9, 2021.

On his part, KSU President Eduardo Bagtang expressed gratitude to the provincial and regional offices of both DTI and DOST for extending assistance in order for the university to qualify for the grant.

He said the facility will give more meaning in the implementation of the university programs, especially on research.

“It is more meaningful when we have a research that passes through this facility. We can always say to our clients, adaptors that this research went through a process and we can only say that, it’s because of this shared facility that you have given us,” added Bagtang.

Meanwhile, Regino Wacas who represented Congressman Allen Jesse Mangaoang underscored the significance of providing the MSMEs and researchers with the state-of-the-art equipment. The provision, he said, will increase their productivity and accelerate competitiveness.

He conveyed that through the analytical laboratory, the public would be aware of the nutritional value contained in various foods that are native to yKalingas.

Gracing the event, Regional Director of DTI-CAR urged the beneficiaries to maximize the laboratory while ensuring equipment maintenance.

The regional director and Bagtang signed a memorandum to formalize their agreement.

On behalf of DOST-Cordillera, OIC of PSTC-Kalinga Dexy Catacutan assured that the department will continue working with DTI-CAR and other partner agencies for MSMEs to be compliant with the quality standards and ensure consumer protection.

The laboratory, according to the university, is open for interested stakeholders. They only need to coordinate to those personnel in-charge.

Also present in the event were Aira Edduba representing the Governor James Edduba, Henry Gupaal representing Tabuk City Mayor Darwin Estranero, the university faculty and staff, students, and the local MSMEs.

LISTEN TO STATION 1 RADIO: CLICK ME

OTHER NEWS 

2,086 agrarian reform beneficiaries in CAR to benefit on land payment moratorium

Follow Guru Press Cordillera  on Facebook for more News and Information