27/08/2025
UPV empowers food handlers through community-based food safety training
The UPV Food Safety Team successfully conducted its series of food safety trainings titled “Safe Plates, Healthy Communities: Food Safety Training for Food Handlers from Food Service MSMEs” at selected LGUs across Iloilo Province between July to August 2025.
The sessions were held in Iloilo City (July 28, 2025), Dumangas (July 30, 2025), Miagao (August 6. 2025), and Oton (August 7, 2025), and were attended by food handlers and operators of carinderias, street food stalls, and seafood eateries. Contents of the training were delivered from the newly developed participatory food safety manual, “Food Safety para sa Komunidad,” with discussions centered on four core food safety topics: (1) Facilities, (2) Personal Hygiene, (3) Cleaning and Sanitation, and (4) Process Control.
The activity was made possible through the support of partner LGUs and the UPV Food Safety Campaign Team led by Dr. Johannes M. Magpusao, with team members Dr. Jade G. Pahila and Mr. Jose Marie A. Eslopor (UPV Regional Research Center), Prof. Lhumen A. Tejano (College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences), Prof. Eliodora L. Dimzon (College of Arts and Sciences), and Dr. Jihan Santanina S. Alumbro, Former Prof. Emiliza C. Lozada, Mr. Janreich F. Miramon, and Mr. John Ray M. Molavin (School of Technology). The activity also received valuable assistance from Ms. Mary Denize Celine V. Portal (School of Technology) and volunteers from BSFT Class of 2025, Ms. Jin Chasina Decafe, Ms. Maybelle Capulot, and Ms. Rochelle Tagurigan.
This initiative underscores the university’s continuing commitment to public service, advancing its mission to promote safe food practices and build healthier communities in the region.
Written by Mr. John Ray M. Molavin, PFT