Ruben L. Villareal
National Academy of Science and Technology
https://doi.org/10.57043/transnastphl.2013.3195
ABSTRACT
The Philippine food manufacturing industry continues to be among the biggest and most active industries in the countiy, valued at PhP 977.2 billion in 2012. However, there are issues and concerns which the science community may be able to address. This paper aims to examine the food manufacturing sector to develop a technology-explicit road map for processed food products that would guide collaboration among government and private stakeholders in the sector.
Stakeholders who participated in the NAST-sponsored round-table discussions on food manufacturing identified a number of interrelated concerns that, if not addressed, could threaten the sector’s competitiveness. The three major concerns are supply of raw materials, technology, and food safety. The following were recommended to address these concerns: (l small farm holdings should be consolidated for economy with scale; (2) concerned agencies should strictly enforce the food safety regulations; (3) industly partners should provide research and scholarship funds to supplement the meager funds allocated by government for the training of new crop, animal and food scientists and extension workers; and (4) use science and technology, and economics in promulgating investment-friendly policies to attract both local and foreign investments. In conclusion, there is much room for growth and expansion but there is also greater demand and expectation for safe and quality products. The government is expected to play its role of facilitating businesses and enforcing safety and quality standards.