The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) formally launched the Shared Service Facility (SSF) for Bangus Processing Center in Biliran, Biliran on May 6.
This is the 10th such facility established in Biliran province, according to local DTI officials.
The project is expected to benefit 20 existing and potential micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), who were also provided with skills training on bangus processing.
Biliran Mayor Grace Casil welcomed the project and emphasized its importance to the municipality’s economic growth.
“This is a big help to the improvement of our local economy. Dako ini hin duro nga bulig, hinaot unta nga magpadayon ini,” Casil said.
She also assured local producers and stakeholders of the LGU’s support in marketing initiatives to ensure the sustainability of bangus production and processing in the municipality.
“Mabulig ako ha iyo hiton pag-abot hiton marketing para maging continuously magpadayon an aton negosyo han aton production han bangus,” she added.
OIC Provincial Director Rebecca M. Cormanes of DTI-Biliran highlighted the collaborative efforts behind the project, emphasizing that the building used for the processing center was donated by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and LGU Biliran allocated P1 million for facility improvement under the administration of Mayor Casil.
Cormanes explained that the enhancements being implemented are part of the preparations, securing a Food and Drug Administration License to Operate (FDA-LTO), which is considered the project’s long-term goal.
“Every foundation and enhancement that we have leads toward that LTO because that’s the ultimate goal that we have for this project,” she said, noting that no SSF project in the Province of Biliran has yet achieved FDA-LTO certification.
She also shared that DTI is currently developing a Manual of Operations for the facility. A consultant has already been hired to gather information and help establish systems so the center can operate sustainably as a business enterprise.
(With report from PIA)
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