DOST assists Tarlac MSMEs acquire license to operate

TARLAC CITY – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Central Luzon Food Safety Team assisted Tarlac Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) acquire their License to Operate (LTO).

LTOisapre-requisiteforanykindofbusiness to legally commence operation and more importantly when engaged in food enterprise, as it affects the health and well-being of people.

DOST Provincial Director Karen Dañez said the program is part of their food safety advocacy to help small food entrepreneurs obtain their license from the Food and Drug Administration.

"Similar to mentoring, the agency conducts seminars on basic good manufacturing practices policy formulation followed by writeshops on production, sanitation, and quality standard operating procedures,” Dañez sai d.

These preparatory steps are supplemented by a facility audit of the firm’s production site or plant, to check for compliance to registration requirements prior to actual submission of application for LTO.

MSMEs who underwent the process were Jodini Organic Farm and Pindangan 2nd Primary Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PMPC).

"The process was smooth flowing from beginning to the end, with organized documents and especially through the help of DOST and Tarlac State University Extension Services Office,” Jodini Organic Farm owner Joyce Ann Nirmalkumar shared.

"In the beginning we were nervous we thought we wouldn't pass but we learned that we only needed to make small repairs and we are good to go,” Pindangan 2nd PMPC Manager Sally Duquesa disclosed.

"For those who do not yet have the license, I encourage you to try as well and do what they teach you, it is not difficult particularly with the help of DOST, she added. (PIA 3)