Geared towards alleviating entrepreneurs' needs in food industry improvement and competitiveness, the Kalinga State University (KSU) in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Science and Technology launched the first ever Food and Analytical Laboratory in the Province of Kalinga through the Shared Service Facility (SSF) Project on September 30, 2022 at the KSU Central Science Laboratory Building, Tabuk City, Kalinga.
According to the Proponent Dr. Bernadette Aggabao, DOST’s counterpart was 1 million and 4.8 million from DTI, totaled to P5,800,000.00 worth of laboratory equipment to cater to the analytical needs of food products (physical and chemical analyses) of the MSMEs and researchers across the province and neighboring provinces like Mountain Province, Ifugao, Isabela, and Cagayan. The said laboratory project is designed to complement the food processing sector and to establish improved and safe food products available to better serve its customers.
University President Dr. Eduardo T. Bagtang, expressed his gratitude to the DTI and DOST for assisting the KSU in preparing technical works in order to comply with all the requirements needed and be qualified to receive the food and analytical laboratory equipment. He also emphasized that one of the mandates of KSU is to conduct research and once proven to be beneficial, it can be extended to its clients.
Other significant events during the launching ceremony were the signing of MOA and Usufruct agreement in establishing Shared Service Facility (SSF) for Food and Analytical Laboratory and the pledge of commitment laid by the Director of Central Laboratory Dr. Imelda Agbisit together with the faculty-researchers, non-teaching personnel and students as they take part of the responsibilities on the said project.
Present during the event were Ms. Dexy Catacutan, DOST—CAR, Mr. Regie Wacas from the office of Congressman, Ms. Ira Edduba from the office of the Provincial Governor, and Mr. Henry Gupaal from the City Mayor’s office and KSU officials, Dr. Robert Rodolfo, Vice President for Academics and Student Development, Dr. Joy Grace Doctor, Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Ernesto Miguel, Vice President for Research, Development, extension and Trainings, Dr. Fe Buen, University Board Secretary, Mr. Danilo Iso, University Registrar, Ms. Sunshine Molintas of QRS Farm, private sectors, students and faculty researchers of KSU. /Christopher Agustin