21/04/2026
From Farm to Fork: Carapreneurs Empowered Through Food Safety Training
Thirteen carapreneurs from nine assisted cooperatives successfully completed the Business Talk: Food Safety Series, enhancing their food safety and NDA-LTO compliance in dairy farming. Organized by the Carabao Enterprise Development Section (CEDS) of the DA-Philippine Carabao Center - National Headquarters and Gene Pool, the training was held on April 20–21, 2026, at Basak Resort in Namnama, Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay. The event improved participants' knowledge and skills, directly supporting strengthened food safety practices and regulatory compliance in the dairy sector.
The training focused on enhancing food safety systems across the dairy value chain - from production to processing, ensuring that safe, high-quality products reach consumers. It also emphasized identifying, assessing, and mitigating hazards, as well as addressing supply chain challenges to support the safety, quality, and sustainability of the local dairy industry.
During the opening program, Cecelio G. Velez, Center Director of DA-PCC at the Mindanao Livestock Production Center, highlighted the importance of food safety in today’s industry. He emphasized that food safety goes beyond compliance, noting its crucial role in protecting public health, maintaining customer trust, and ensuring business sustainability.
Among the topics discussed during the sessions were good animal husbandry practices for backyard dairy cattle and water buffalo farms, orientation to dairy safety regulations, the Food Safety Act, proper milk handling, the national food safety agenda, and basic business principles. Participants were also guided through the National Dairy Authority (NDA) registration process and the development of Risk Management Plans (RMPs) for dairy farms and collection centers.
The activities were facilitated by resource persons Zadieshar G. Sanchez, John Vincent Teatro, and Milton Joseph Tamayo, who provided technical expertise and practical insights to help participants apply food safety standards in their respective operations.
During the closing program, Ronnel O. Barbon, Manager of Agricooltourist de La Paz Coconut and Livestock Agriculture Cooperative, expressed appreciation for the training, describing it as a valuable learning experience that will help improve current practices and ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
This activity enabled participants to develop Risk Management Plans for their farms and facilitated NDA registration, reflecting DA-PCC’s ongoing commitment to empower dairy stakeholders and promote a safe, resilient, and competitive dairy industry through capacity-building and enhanced regulatory compliance.
