Women-led Ventures in NCR Level Up Through Food Safety Training

In a strong demonstration of its commitment to inclusivity, DOST-NCR PAMAMAZON CASTO and Food Safety Unit, collaborated with the De La Salle University (DLSU) – La Sallian Social Enterprise for Economic Development (LSEED) Center in conducting a Food Safety training to advance the capabilities of women-led social enterprises under the DOST’s Women-Helping-Women: Innovating Social Enterprises (WHWise) Program.   

Dubbed as WHWise Innovate: Fostering Innovation, Networking, and Nurturing Opportunities for Women-led Ventures and Technology-based Enterprises in Metro Manila, the initiative continues to build momentum as it reaches out to grassroots-level entrepreneurs with practical, science-based solutions.   

On April 24, 2025, 20 women social entrepreneurs from Quezon City, Pasig City, Caloocan City, and the City of Manila gathered at the DLSU-Manila for a curated Packaging and Labeling Requirements Training. This session aimed to provide critical knowledge on effective packaging design and accurate labeling practices—key components in ensuring food safety, compliance with regulatory standards, and boosting product competitiveness in local and global markets.   

The training also built on the Food Safety and Shelf-Life Management Training which was conducted by DOST-NCR last February, reinforcing core principles such as hygiene standards, proper storage, and product testing. By providing continuous learning opportunities, the agency empowers entrepreneurs to uphold quality and safety across the food value chain.   

The collaboration underscores DOST-NCR’s broader mission to bridge science, technology, and innovation (STI) with inclusive development. As it continues to foster strategic partnerships and deliver targeted capacity-building interventions, DOST-NCR reaffirms its role in strengthening food safety culture while enabling women entrepreneurs to thrive in competitive markets.  

By: Noel G. Calcetas, SCCU