Bay, Laguna. The Department of Trade and Industry – Laguna Provincial Office (DTI-Laguna) joined forces with the Calamba Manpower Development Center (CMDC) to host a highly successful training seminar aimed at empowering individuals with entrepreneurial skills. The seminar covered a wide range of topics including Food Safety, Packaging and Labeling Requirements, Pricing and Costing, Google My Business, and Consumer Rights and Responsibilities. The event took place on May 31, 2023, at the Sectoral Affairs Conference Room in the City Hall of Calamba City, Laguna.
The seminar attracted participants from CMDC and the Tourism Sector, including trainees and graduates specializing in bread and pastry production, culinary arts, and food and beverage services under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The event saw an impressive turnout of seventy-three (73) eager participants. The overarching theme of the seminar revolved around shaping the future of the food industry and providing essential business and consumer education to potential and existing micro, small, and medium enterprises in Laguna.
Joanna Marie M. Malihan expertly presided over the seminar as the moderator, while Zenisa S. Alinsunurin led the invocation to set a positive and focused tone for the event. Celina Dacara-Manabat, RSW, Department Head of the City Social Services Department, delivered a warm welcome message, and Tonymer Victor L. Castillo, Manpower Development Officer I, formally introduced the resource speakers.
The first speaker, Josephine Ballesteros, a DTI-Laguna Negosyo Center Business Counsellor assigned in Siniloan, discussed the crucial topic of Food Safety. Ballesteros emphasized the significance of maintaining food safety standards in establishments, as any compromise in this area can lead to severe consequences such as financial losses, negative media exposure, legal disputes, damaged reputation, and even potential harm to consumers. She also shed light on the Food Safety Act 2013 (Republic Act No. 10611), a legislation enacted to strengthen the food safety regulatory system in the country and ensure the well-being of consumers.
Cris Mark Bermudo, a DTI-Laguna Negosyo Center Business Counsellor assigned in Mabitac, took the stage as the second speaker, discussing Packaging and Labeling Requirements. Bermudo emphasized that packaging should serve as both a protective and promotional element for products, emphasizing the phrase “protects what it sells, and sells what it protects.” He stressed the importance of proper packaging in ensuring food safety by preventing contamination, extending shelf life, safeguarding against physical damage, and preserving the freshness of the food. Bermudo also highlighted the requirements for accurate and non-deceptive product labeling.
Rica Mae Garcia, a DTI-Laguna Negosyo Center Business Counsellor assigned in Majayjay, served as the third speaker, shedding light on Pricing and Costing. Garcia emphasized the significance of strategic pricing and effective cost management for businesses. She discussed various pricing strategies and highlighted the importance of accurate costing methods to maximize profit and ensure sustainability.
The fourth speaker, Nicols Consignado, a DTI-Laguna Negosyo Center Business Counsellor assigned in Santa Maria, delivered a comprehensive presentation on navigating Google My Business. Consignado provided a step-by-step guide on creating and managing a business profile using this user-friendly tool, highlighting its importance for establishing a strong online presence across Google’s platforms.
The fifth and final speaker, Avegail Agojo, a DTI-Laguna Negosyo Center Business Counsellor assigned in Bay, delved into the Rights and Responsibilities of Consumers. Agojo engaged the audience by posing the question, “Have you ever been deceived as a consumer?” Her talk centered on empowering consumers to make informed choices, stressing the importance of selecting products and services that guarantee quality, safety, and competitive pricing. Agojo elaborated on the eight consumer rights and five consumer responsibilities, providing examples and scenarios to enhance understanding.
To conclude the highly beneficial seminar, Leonardo D. Dela Cruz, Jr., the CMDC Supervising Manpower Development Officer, delivered the closing remarks. Certificates of appreciation were presented to the resource speakers and partners, led by Charito L. Sarmiento, in recognition of their valuable contributions. The CMDC Officers, Trainers, and Staff were actively involved in the event, further enhancing its success.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
