The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), led by Secretary Fortunato dela Peña commended the PSU DOST 1 – Food Innovation Center (FIC) of Pangasinan State University, Bayambang Campus during an official visit on February 17, 2022.
PSU- BC, led by university president Dr. Dexter R. Buted and Campus Exective Director Dr. Liza L. Quimson, welcomed the guests as they toured them around the said research facility. The tour was immediately then followed by the exhibit of the food products manufactured by FIC at the Benigno Aldana Gymnasium.
“Dito sa FIC ng PSU, natutuwa ako na nagbubuhos ng sariling investment dito ang University para maging mas kumpleto ang makinarya at pangangailangan sa food processing,” Secretary Dela Peña said as he expressed his praise to the institution for further developing the technologies brought to the center years after its launch in 2018.
After Secretary dela Peña’s message, PSU presented the plaques of appreciation to DOST 1 Food Corporation, and the Bayambang Local Government Unit (LGU) Tourism Office as a token of gratitude for the continuous partnership with the PSU-DOST 1 FIC.
Dr. Buted thanked DOST for the long-standing partnership and linkages with PSU that allowed it to do and achieve its mission.
“As a one-stop food research and development facility, the FIC provides local food processers the opportunity to innovate on old products, produce new ones or create new benefits to agricultural and fishery resources,” Dr. Buted said.
Aside from product innovation, the Center also offers academic support to PSU students and even those from other universities on their research studies and provides technical support to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) related to food processing and product shelf-life extension.
Also present at the said event are Undersecretary Sancho A. Mabborang, along with DOST 1 Regional Director Armando Q. Ganal, and Filipino Inventors Society Producers Cooperative (FISPC) President Francisco ‘Popoy’ Pagayon.
PSU- DOST 1 FIC is the first food innovation center to be set up in the region aiming to give opportunities to institutions to establish research centers based on the industries in their communities.
