On 29 August 2024, the Center for Strategic Planning and Policy Studies (CSPPS) of the College of Public Affairs and Development (CPAf) conducted a HyFlex Seminar titled, “WTF: What the fish! Innovation Willingness and Readiness of Fish and Seafood Processing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for Food Safety Standards”.Mr. Hadji C. Jalotjot, University Researcher and Project Leader, served as the resource speaker and discussed the findings of their recently concluded DOST PCAARRD-funded project with the same title.
During his talk, Jalotjot highlighted that ensuring food safety within the fisheries-based processing sector requires an effective multi-stakeholder collaboration. This emphasizes the roles of various stakeholders in converting high-level policies into actionable steps at a more localized level. As for the part of the fisheries-based processing MSMEs, Jalotjot shared that MSMEs have the ability to innovate on their own and generally comply with local food safety regulations. Nevertheless, he underscored that technological interventions should be tailored fit to the needs and capabilities of these MSMEs.
In the last part of his discussion, Jalotjot recommended strengthening local government units by capacitating them in monitoring the adoption of food safety standards among MSMEs. This includes both increasing the staff complement and enhancing their technical skills. He also recognized the need to support the MSMEs in expanding their markets by developing strategies to reach more buyers. Lastly, he recommended the adoption of co-design, co-innovation approach in formulating technological and institutional interventions.
During the open forum, several questions were asked about government support for the MSMEs. Jalotjot responded by confirming that the government does indeed help with business registration and provision of equipment to these enterprises.
Edited by Therese Marie L. Quilnat
