Offering a helping hand, the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office XI (DOST XI) through its DOST-Davao de Oro (DOST-DDO) offered training on Good Manufacturing Practices and Plant Layout Assessment training to help stakeholders comply with the food processing standard requirements to operate.

DOST XI together with DOST-DDO in partnership with the Davao de Oro State College (DDOSC) visited the Camarin Manlobong Taytayan Onion Farmers Association (CAMATOFA) in Brgy. Andap, New Bataan, Davao de Oro to assess the assistance to be given to this small group of onion farmers who shifted to cacao processing. 

They also checked on the Monkayo College of Arts Sciences and Technology (MONCAST), a local college operated by the Local Government of Monkayo, Davao de Oro.

The two groups are currently engaged in food processing activities that require compliance with GMP standards to ensure that food products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality and safety standards set by authorities. 

Moreover, the experts from DOST XI Food Safety Team and DDOSC provided recommendations and guidance on how these two partner institutions can further improve their current production systems.

The GMP and Plant Layout Assessment is one of the services freely given by DOST XI to its stakeholders in the region. The Office has been at the forefront in assisting various private and government institutions and organizations in ensuring the quality of products and the integrity of the operations are in compliance with the guidelines provided under the Food and Drug Administration Administrative Order number 153 series of 2004 or the Revised Guidelines on Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packing, Repacking, or Holding Food. DOST XI S&T Information and Promotion