#ATSNews | The recently concluded Regional Food Safety Summit in General Santos City on February 12-13, 2025 gathered local government officials, farmers, and industry stakeholders to tackle pressing issues on food safety and regulatory compliance. Conducted by the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) XII Regulatory Division, the event highlights the need for collaboration towards the goal in ensuring a safe and sufficient food supply for the region.
In her welcome remarks, City Administrator Ms. Shandee Theresa Odi Pestano encouraged unity in promoting food safety, declaring, “Magkaisa tayo sa pagtaguyod ng food safety dahil ito ay ikabubuti ng bawat pamilya.”
The summit featured discussions on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), updates on food safety regulations, and the growing role of technology in food safety management. One of the key highlights was the awarding of GAP certifications, which recognized outstanding farms and organizations such as Kuvi Integrated Farm, Cordero Farm, SunJef Plantation Inc., Dloe Phil Inc., Kablon Farm, DA-PhilRice Midsayap, Sheba Incorporated, Orange Pomelo Farm, and Sox Food Manufacturing.
In his inspirational message, DA-RFO XII Regional Executive Director Roberto T. Perales stated that “Food safety is not a matter of choice, it is a matter of responsibility.” He emphasized the critical role of farmers in food production, advocating for increased support to boost their income and productivity.
In addition, he further emphasized that “Agriculture is a market-driven industry,” urging stakeholders to leverage market intelligence to enhance the competitiveness of local produce.
Following his message, technical presentations from various government agencies provided updates on food safety regulations, market access, and sustainable food production practices. Experts from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the National Dairy Authority (NDA) shared insights on critical areas, such as the confiscation of smuggled agricultural products, risk-based plant inspections, and monitoring of food safety hazards in meat and fish products.
Open forums throughout the summit allowed stakeholders to raise concerns, including the integration of Halal food standards, monitoring of inland fisheries in Lake Sebu and Lake Buluan, and the extension of PhilGAP certifications from two to five years.
The event concluded with a resolution-crafting session facilitated by the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Council (RAFC) XII, outlining key policy recommendations to further strengthen food safety initiatives. Reflecting on the discussions, participants reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a resilient and secure food system, aligning with the summit’s theme: “Pagkaing Ligtas at Sapat, Kaagapay sa Maunlad at Matatag na Bagong Pilipinas.”
As stakeholders move forward, continuous knowledge-sharing and collaboration will be essential in addressing emerging food safety challenges and ensuring a sustainable agricultural sector for future generations.
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