DOST-CALABARZON took a significant step toward improving food safety awareness and accessibility by conducting “Content Buildup Workshop for the DOST Food Safety Web Application – PagkaINGAT.” This workshop, held on October 3, 2023, at the Bayview Park Hotel in Manila. It brought together participants from various DOST regional offices and attached agencies, all united in their goal to advance the PagkaINGAT web application.
Under the guidance of Ms. Emelita P. Bagsit, Regional Director of DOST-CALABARZON, the workshop began with a warm welcome to all attendees.
Delivering an inspirational message that set the tone for the day’s proceedings, Engr. Melvin P. Jusi, from the Office of the Undersecretary for Regional Operations (OUSECRO), represented Engr. Sancho Mabborang, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations.
The central focus of the workshop was on PagkaINGAT, a forthcoming food safety web application that will serve as a centralized portal for a wide array of DOST food safety-related projects, research endeavors, training resources, consultancy services, and a database of experts—all accessible to the public. The aim is to empower individuals, businesses, and government entities with invaluable information on food safety practices.
Engr. Francisco R. Barquilla III, Project Leader and Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations of DOST-CALABARZON, explained the project’s rationale, providing insights into its far-reaching significance. ARD Barquilla wants to secure the commitment of partner agencies such as DOST regional offices and live agencies of DOST to contribute content to the said web application.
“If we are establishing a platform or a website for food safety, kailangan natin ng content. At hindi lang dapat sa atin manggaling ‘yon [DOST CALABARZON], dapat sa lahat ng partner agencies na magse-share ng kanilang information at magpapatuloy na mag-contribute even after ng ating mga workshops,” ARD Barquilla added. “Kailangan nating i-build ‘yung database content ng PagkaINGAT through organizing the team na mag-i-input doon.”
A crucial aspect of the workshop was the Discussion of Content Guidelines for the web platform, which was expertly facilitated by DOST-CALABARZON’s unit heads, Ms. Diane Ulan of the Food Safety Unit (FSU) and Ms. Krizzia Mei Esperanza of the Public Affairs, Relations, and Communications Unit (PARCU). These guidelines are instrumental in maintaining the consistency, clarity, and accessibility of the content on PagkaINGAT.
When we asked Ms. Diane Ulan about the project’s objectives, she said that one of the key aims of this workshop is to foster the exchange of ideas, suggestions, and feedback. This collaborative effort is intended to enhance and refine the project’s final outcome for the benefit of the public.
She remarked, “Ang goal [PagkaINGAT] is maging common depository ng mga Food Safety knowledge. Lalong-lalo na ‘yung mga Research and Development na patungkol sa Food Safety, na maipon siya para ‘yung public kapag may kailangan silang information, ideas, or R&D ito ‘yung maging go-to web application nila, na kapag sinabing Food Safety sa Pilipinas ito ‘yung pupuntahan mo.”
Adding practicality to the proceedings, Ms. Bianca Pantoja, SRS II and the Head of the Management Information System (MIS) Unit of DOST-CALABARZON, conducted a comprehensive lecture and live demonstration of the web application. This practical experience enabled participants to gain a better understanding of the web platform’s capabilities and potential influence.
According to Ms. Pantoja, there are still many possible developments and enhancements for the system, including potential reports and data analytics generated by PagkaINGAT. She further added, “Ang isang important din kasi within the system, not specifically on the enhancement or development of features but more on sa data content itself. Sana naka-quality check natin ‘yung mga details at ‘yung mga data na nae-encode natin kasi from there doon tayo makaka-generate ng magagandang analysis na magiging useful both for the executives of the DOST as well as sa general public.”
The workshop continued in the afternoon session, which participants actively engaged with the web platform. They had the opportunity to input their content and provide feedback, contributing to the refinement and enhancement of PagkaINGAT.
The “Content Buildup Workshop for the DOST Food Safety Web Application – PagkaINGAT” is a PCIEERD-funded project and activity that represents a significant milestone in the journey toward a more accessible and informative food safety resource. With the dedicated leadership of DOST-CALABARZON and the active participation of various stakeholders, PagkaINGAT is poised to become a vital tool in advancing food safety practices and awareness across the Philippines.
