The Central Philippine University (CPU) in Iloilo City will be offering the Diploma in Packaging Technology Program, which is aimed at developing and strengthening the skills in packaging technology to help reduce the country’s post-harvest agricultural losses.
This was announced by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña during his weekly report on Friday, March 19.
He said the DOST VI, the Department of Agriculture (DA) VI and the CPU "successfully launched” on March 17 the Diploma in Packaging Technology Program, which is expected to be offered at the CPU.
The DOST chief said the course offering is one of the outputs of the DA VI funded project entitled “Enhancing the Market Competitiveness of Western Visayas Agriculture and Fishery Products through Packaging Development.”
"The course is aimed at developing and strengthening the skills in packaging technology to produce experts that can help reduce post-harvest losses due to improper packaging and handling,” he said.
De la Peña noted that for the pioneer batch, the implementing team invited a total of 25 enrollees – 10 from DA-VI; 10 from DOST-VI, and five from selected state universities and colleges (SUCs).
"All of the 25 enrollees are sponsored by DA-VI under the project with the funding support amounting to P7.5 million,” he said.
He said the project also includes collaborations on small and medium enterprise (SME) assistance, trainings, and consultancy services.
"Through various means, particularly with provision of proper and appropriate packaging of agri-fishery products, post-harvest losses can be
addressed,” he said.
"The partnership between DOST VI and DA VI envisions to improve the packaging of various products and commodities being produced by farmers,
fisherfolks, and agribusiness enterprises in the region,” he added.
He said the project will provide packaging technical support to 100 fishery enterprises; develop a packaging technical guide for use by DA and DOST VI personnel; and come up with a diploma in Packaging Technology Program.