DOST-NCR Takes Roving Consultancy Clinic to International Food Expo

The Department of Science and Technology-National Capital Region brought its Roving Consultancy Clinic on food safety and food product development when it participated at the recently held 18th International Food Exhibition (IFEX), which was held from May 26-28, 2025 at the World Trade Center, City of Pasay.  

IFEX is a major trade show in the Philippines, which offers the perfect opportunity for local and international food companies to engage with the various players in the food industry.   

With this year’s event’s focus on sustainability, DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development, Dr. Leah J. Buendia, was one of the guests during the Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX) Conference on the topic “Major Strides: The Philippines’ Efforts Toward Food Sustainability”. She expounded on DOST’s initiatives to promote food sustainability through science, technology, and innovation. DOST’s initiatives in sustainability range from the time food is produced, to how it is prepared, packaged, and even up to waste disposal. DOST- Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) Director, Dr. Annabelle V. Briones, later in the day made a presentation on “Setting Up a Sustainable Business with DOST,” which focused on ITDI-developed technologies and services that support the circular economy.  

DOST-NCR has been regularly participating in trade shows and exhibitions to support its Science Beyond Borders campaign, which aims to bring the message of DOST of providing science-based solutions to as many sectors as possible. In market-specific platforms like the IFEX, DOST-NCR’s booth featured its S and T Advanced Roving Clinic (STARC) to enable micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in food related businesses to avail of DOST-NCR’s consultancy on food safety and food product development, without having to go to the agency’s Regional Office or to its Clustered Area Science and Technology Offices (CASTOs).  

During the three-day exhibit, DOST-NCR’s staff and food safety experts entertained inquiries from the public about a wide variety of topics: how to maintain cleanliness and safety during food preparations, shelf life of various food items, improving product quality and streamlining processes to ensure compliance with government and industry standards, as well as DOST-NCR’s free training sessions, including those on Halal food preparations.  

Interested entrepreneurs also had the chance to know more about DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), DOST’s main program of assistance for MSMEs, which offers a comprehensive package of assistance to enable businesses to improve their company’s operations, improve their production, in addition to saving on electricity, water, and raw materials through the application of appropriate technologies.  

A number of DOST-NCR’s SETUP-assisted companies also had booths at IFEX, including Daddy Mikks, Glorious Industrial and Development Corporation, Greenpak Philippines, Northbay by Kai Anya, Basimatsi, Mubaarak Fresh Food, Nisco Philippines Enterprise, Pik-a-Pikel, Soyuz Food International, Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates, Year Luck Food & Industrial Corporation, Dielles Apiary and Meadery Inc., LUYAN Turmeric Ginger Tea, Sally’s Authentic Bicol Express, and Zachys Sweetreats Pastillas Collection.   

DOST-NCR will be participating at the Manila Foods and Beverages Expo (MAFBEX) in June, where its Food Safety Unit will be giving another round of consultancies through its STARC, and will be discussing a number of food related topics.  

By Pinky Marcelo, SCCU