SorSU President De Jesus partakes at the official launch of the Bicol Food Safety Team (BFST) & Innovative Food Safety Engagement (iFSE) for MSMEs — provides a message of support to the participants
As a pioneer member of Bicol Food Safety Team (BFST) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) V, Sorsogon State University (SorSU) SUC President III, Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, graced the official launching of the Bicol Food Safety Team through their event, entitled: “Innovative Food Safety Engagement (iFSE) for MSMEs,” last March 15, 2024, at the Ayala Malls Legazpi – Ground Floor Activity Area, Legazpi City, Albay.
Bearing the theme, “Elevating Food Safety: Moving Beyond Awareness with Innovation and Commitment,” SorSU President De Jesus was cordially invited to deliver a message of support to the significant event, wherein she shared in her message her journey as a Food Safety Team consultant that began 16 years ago, stating that their then campus director invited Dr. De Jesus to participate in the selection of new members for the DOST Food Safety Program for Region V.
SorSU President De Jesus highlighted, “When I completed the training and returned to our college, I immediately integrated what I’ve learned in my food technology classes. Moreover, I was frequently tapped by the Department of Trade and Industry for the inspection or evaluation of good manufacturing and food safety practices of small entrepreneurs in Sorsogon City and 3 other municipalities in our province: Gubat, Bulan, and Pilar. In this way, I was able to help people in our local communities especially those engaged in food production, processing, and services.”
Moreover, SorSU President De Jesus underscored that if CHED has RQAT; AACCUP has survey teams; DOST also has its food safety teams. She added that membership in this prestigious group of experts really contributed a lot to her professional development – not only the academic rank or title but especially to the knowledge and skills that she applies as an educator and specialist in the field.
“One of my professional achievements, I was and still am very proud to say that I’m a member of this team. And when I applied for the presidency of our university in 2022, I hope that Director Serrano still remembers that I highlighted my membership in the team during the panel interview by the board of regents.”
“Above all, DOST has been instrumental in the development and the eventual transformation of the state college into the university that it is now. With all our hearts, we can only give our full support to this agency and its noble undertakings – after all, we are from the one and only Pamantasang May Puso!”
SorSU, under the visionary leadership of President De Jesus, supports and commits to the invaluable initiatives and endeavors of Bicol Food Safety Team, the DOST, as well as all its partner agencies & institutions toward the betterment of local stakeholders and larger communities. (SorSU PIO)
