Those micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) who need to be assisted to improve their products’ packaging and design can count on the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The DOST-Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal,Quezon) has expressed readiness to assist and train the MSMEs on packaging technology and label design to ensure that they are compliant with the mandatory requirements and standards.

"For several years now, the DOST has been empowering MSMEs to create a competitive brand by strengthening their products’ packaging and labeling design. Packaging and Labeling Services of the agency aims to assist MSMEs in the development of package design, technical consultancy for the improvement of packaging system through proper labeling and packaging, nutrition facts analysis, shelf-life testing, and training,” it said in a statement.

"Other MSMEs in need of this kind of assistance are encouraged to send their requests to DOST Batangas Office or to any DOST Office near them."

In partnership with the local government Unit of Ibaan, Batangas, it has conducted training to 17 MSMEs at Ibaan municipality’s town hall.

The training was divided into parts: packaging technology and mandatory labelling requirements.

The packaging technology session covered various topics — definition and functions of food packaging, factors in selecting product packaging, food packaging materials, packaging material tests, and food packaging techniques. During the session, Science research specialist Lorelie Dorado of DOST-Calabarzon- Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory tackled several innovations on product packaging.

Meanwhile, Science research specialist John Michael A. Florendo of the Provincial Science and Technology Center-Batangas zeroed in on the aspects of product label design, which include definitions and objectives of label, and mandatory label information common in all countries and according to Codex Alimentarius, parts of label. He also apprised the participants of the “Rules and Regulations Governing the Labeling of Prepackaged Food Products Distributed in the Philippines”.

Florendo’s training session also delved on the mandatory label information which consists of the following: product name; brand name/trade name (as per consumer act); list of ingredients; net content declaration; name and address of manufacturer, repacker, importer, trader, and distributor and country of origin; lot identification number; storage condition; expiration date; food allergen information; direction/instruction for use; and nutrition facts/nutrition information/nutritive value.

Florendo also tackled other required information including alcoholic beverages, irradiated foods, additional information, and language.

During the training, the participants were given the chance to individually consult with the DOST-Calabarzon experts on how to improve their products’ packaging and label design.

"The webinar also provided an opportunity for the participating MSMEs to ask for innovations they can make on their products including the execution of nutrition facts analysis and shelf-life testing,” the DOST-Calabarzon said.

Among the products evaluated during the session are the famous tamales of Ibaan, puto, suman malagkit, baked goodies, bread, sinaing na tulingan, sandwich spreads, chicharon, leche flan, textile, soap, and agricultural products.

Gracing the activity, Ibaan Municipal Mayor Joy Salvame thanked the DOST for its continued support to the MSMEs.

She urged the participating MSMEs to continue pursuing their businesses amid the challenges brought about by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, even as she assured them that the local government is one with them in their ventures.