Tacloban City, March 3, 2017 – As an offshoot of the Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium (EVHRDC) funded research study entitled “Assessment of the Sanitary Conditions and Food Handlers’ Practices of Public and Private High School Canteens in Eastern Visayas, Philippines”, the Department of Health Regional Office VIII (DOH RO8) in coordination with the study's Lead Investigator Mr. Pet Anthony Pascual and Leyte Normal University (LNU) conducted a “Feedback Forum on Food Safety Research and Training of Food Handlers in Selected Schools in Eastern Visayas” last March 1 – 2, 2017 at the DOH RO8 Conference Room, Bgry. Candahug, Palo, Leyte. The activity aimed to disseminate evidence-based information and use these strategies to adopt and integrate evidence-based health interventions on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
The activity has three objectives. First, to distribute evidence-based results to food handlers and promote insight on good practices that would ensure the safety and level of protection of the students. Second, to disseminate evidenced-based information to Health Officials which can aid in implementing new programs regarding food safety and third is to provide training to food handlers on food safety to contribute to the general welfare of the people.
The two-day activity was attended by 40 participants from 22 selected public and private schools in Eastern Visayas, composed of teachers, school canteen managers and personnel. The participants were formally welcomed by Dr. Paula Paz M. Sydiongco, Assistant Regional of DOHRO8.
The dissemination of results acquired from the study was briefly presented by Mr. Pet Anthony Pascual, Lead Investigator of the study. He emphasized the need to give serious attention to food handling practices. Other resource persons of the activity were Dr. Sonia C. Cabahit, Head of Food and Drug Administration Region VIII (FDA RO8) and Ms. Felecita R. Borata, Nutrition Program Manager, DOH RO8. Dr. Cabahit presented and discussed FDA Regulations on Food Safety. On the other hand, Ms. Borata presented the DOH Nutrition Program to demonstrate the importance of natural nutrition in complementary health care. Before the day one of the activity ended, a feedback forum was conducted for sharing opinions and recommendations.
On the second day, Mr. Emmanuel E. Lagdamen, RSTL-SRSII of the Department of Science and Technology Region VIII (DOST RO8) gave an Orientation and Training on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to increase food handlers’ knowledge on the importance of their role on food safety preparation. Updates on Environmental and Occupational Health Program was also presented by Engr. Percival De Paz, EOH Program Manager of DOH RO8 to address the incidence of occupational diseases and work-related diseases and injuries among workers through health promotion and protection in all workplaces.
The successful two-day activity was capped off with a closing remark by Dr. Nestor C. Sedanza, Vice-President for Research and Extension of LNU.
