ILOILO CITY, June 4 (PIA) - - Two Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Western Visayas recently availed of free virtual trainings from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 6 to further increase their knowledge on food safety.

DOST 6 has tapped local experts and team from its Research and Development Institutes (RDIs) for the conduct of the online Technology Training services in the midst of restrictions and health protocols due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Through these online training, DOST 6 Information Officer Ma. Alicia Soledad Salazar said the agency intends to fast-track its technology transfer and commercialization services as well as to bring science and technology practitioners closer to its clients.

Salazar said QB's Solar-Powered Ice Cubes in Antique province and MLKT Iloilo are the first two MSMEs in the reqion that requested for the training, particularly on current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and Food Safety, respectively.

QB urgently needed the updated training conducted on May 28 to support its FDA license to operate renewal.

She said the technology training enabled the firms to identify and describe the symptoms of food-borne illness, the different hazards on food, and how to keep food safe. Also, these helped them to easily comply with the food safety standards mandated by concerned government agencies.

DOST free technology training and assistance include expert services, advisory services, troubleshooting, training, and seminars. These are open to interested groups/associations in the region.

Further details about the DOST VI programs and services can be accessed through DOST VI website http://region6. dost.gov.ph. (JSC/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)