DOST UNVEILS FOOD SAFETY ROADMAP

THE Department of Science and Technology (DoST) has charted the course of science, technology and innovation for food safety innovations through the unveiling of its roadmap for 2022 to 2028.

It will focus on four fields: Research and Development (R&D), Science and Technology (S&T) Services, Human Resource Development (HRD), and Knowledge and Technology Transfer and Policy Advocacy (KTTPA).

DoST Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara explained that around P2.5 billion will be allocated by the Department for the fulfillment of this project — with P523 million for R&D, P1.5 billion for S&T Services, P52 million for HRD, and P418 million for KTTPA.

“To properly implement priorities and plans, we intend to explore and establish more collaborations and scientific cooperation with international agencies, closely coordinate with the food safety regulatory agencies, regularly consult with stakeholders, and continuously review and update the roadmaps to include emerging issues and new topics related to food safety,” she added.

Guevara highlighted in her message the shared responsibility framework on food safety to strengthen and continuously establish a safer food system in the country.

She also encouraged scientists and researchers to submit their proposals on food safety to the DoST two years prior to its implementation based on the roadmap for it could be included in the plans of the Science and Technology department.

Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato de la Peña also urged those in the S&T sector to continue pushing what works well in ensuring food safety and providing enabling resources to achieve the 2022-2028 Roadmap on Food Safety.

“These initiatives exemplified our ultimate goal of harnessing science, technology, and innovation to ensure food safety for everyone. Somebody said that the way to go is to create a food safety culture — making it part and parcel of our daily life — from farm to table,” he said.