Caberte
CEBU CITY, Philippines—More than a hundred micro, small and medium enterprises (SMES) engaged in food processing would benefit from the faster processing of their license applications with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“We have prioritized for 2019 the processed food in Region 7. We will go all the way like license to operate. We will tackle all the regulatory requirements of FDA,” Regional Director Aster Caberte of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Central Visayas
Included in this priority sector are those engaged in processing low risk products such as fats, oils and fat emulsions; processed fruits and vegetables; confectionery; cereal-based products; processed meat and meat products; bakery products; sweeteners; beverages; ready-to-eat savories, and salt, spices, sauces, salads and protein products.
According to Caberte, getting an FDA license would enable MSMEs to sell their products anywhere and engaged in exports. She added that they are also seeking the possible inclusion of these businesses in the Initiative Ni DTI-DOH Operations Livelihood (IDOL) program.
Caberte said the IDOL program is aligned with the Ease of Doing Business Act.
The program, which is being piloted in the National Capital Region, aims to reduce FDA documentary requirements. It also targets the issuance of permits within 20 days after receipt of the application by the FDA.
Meanwhile, the Regional Development Council (RDC-7) has adopted the proposal of the Economic Development Committee to include Central Visayas in the IDOL program.
Caberte said they have prepared to implement the IDOL program as soon as the region is included in the pilot program or if not, during the rollout in the regions outside the NCR./dcb