Inception Workshop Launches Program to Strengthen Food Safety Regulations for Meat Trade in the Philippines

Quezon City, Philippines – April 29, 2025

The Department of Agriculture, through its Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), officially launched a 3-year technical assistance program aimed at strengthening food safety regulations and promoting the safe trade of meat and meat products in the Philippines. The Inception Workshop was held at Makiling 1, Park Inn by Radisson, SM City North EDSA Complex, Quezon City, running from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and was also accessible to virtual participants via Zoom.

The workshop marked the start of a collaborative effort to enhance the capacity of food safety regulators in implementing the Food Safety Act of 2013 and the Ease of Doing Business Act of 2018. A central feature of the program is the institutionalization of Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) to improve policy formulation and regulatory processes within the Department of Agriculture.

The initiative, guided by a Steering Committee of key officials from the Department and selected private sector stakeholders, focuses on streamlining regulatory measures to support the safe and efficient trade of meat products. The University of the Philippines Public Administration Research and Extension Services Foundation, Inc. (UPPAF) serves as the implementing partner, ensuring that the project is both relevant and impactful.

Participants from the public and private sectors gathered to provide feedback on the project’s goals, intended outcomes, and key outputs. They also worked to refine the project's accomplishment targets and strengthen the three-year work plan to ensure its success.

The program opened with registration at 8:30 AM, followed by an Opening Message from Ms. Catalina Pulido, Economics Affairs Officer at STDF, and Welcome Remarks by Sec. Ernesto Perez, Director General of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), emphasizing the role of regulatory reforms in improving trade facilitation and food safety.

To ensure smooth coverage for both in-person and online attendees, FPS Media PH supported the event with video coverage for the Zoom audience, contributing to a seamless hybrid event experience.

The workshop concluded at 5:30 PM, marking a full day of collaborative planning and discussions. Backed by STDF funding, this initiative is expected to enhance the Philippines' food safety framework, align with international standards, and boost the country's agricultural trade sector.