Forum to tackle food processing issues

The state of the country’s processed food industry, updates on government food regulations, manufacturing, production and the possible effects of the prevailing worldwide economic crisis on Philippine business, will be among the topics to be discussed at a forum sponsored by the Food Entrepreneurs & Exporters of the Philippines (FEOP), on Nov. 26-27 at the Ballroom B, Dusit Thani Manila in Makati City.

Jesus M. Tanchanco Jr., FEOP chairman, said the two-day meet aims to “identify, discuss, and propose resolutions to address current issues, concerns and problems common to our food processors and manufacturers.”

He said the forum is one of the activities of his group “to pursue efforts to improve our products and services to achieve world-class status and ensure for them profitable share of the global market.”

Among the invited speakers are Sen. Edgardo Angara, chairman of the Senate committee on agriculture and food, who will talk on the “Legislations Affecting the Food Industry;” Sen. Richard J. Gordon who will speak on the topic “Coping With Crisis: How the Current Global Economic Fallout Impact on Philippine Business;” Sugar Regulatory Administrator Rafael Luz Coscolluela; Director Alicia Lustre, Food Development Center.

Monetary Board member Nelia Favis-Villafuerte; Bureau of Customs Deputy Commissioner Reynaldo Nicolas; Sandra Bucao, president of Intertek Testing Services Phils.; Rosmarie Castillo, Bureau of Export Trade Promotion; Meynard Orbeta, director, Bureau of Domestic Trade; DTI Undersecretary Tomas Aquino; Rhoda Laine Manaloto, Bureau of Food and Drug; and Dr. Teresita Fortuna, DOST-NCR regional director.

Reactions will be made by Velia J. Cruz, FEOP vice president who will also deliver the welcome address; Prof. Ernesto Lozada of the UP Los Baños; Arthur Gamilla, FEOP director; Ferdinand Champongco, export manager of Monde Nissin; Steven Chua, president of PAGASA; Mario Leygo, managing director, Resource Accounts Group, Phil. International Trading Corp. Rosemarie Kwan will be the program moderator.