DOST-CALABARZON Leads “Content Buildup Workshop for the DOST Food Safety Web Application – PagkaINGAT”

By: Harley G. Margallo

October 13, 2023

2–3 minutes

Under the guidance of Ms. Emelita P. Bagsit, Regional Director of DOST-CALABARZON, the workshop began with a warm welcome to all attendees. Delivering an inspirational message that set the tone for the day’s proceedings, Engr. Melvin P. Jusi, from the Office of the Undersecretary for Regional Operations (OUSECRO), represented Engr. Sancho Mabborang, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations.

The central focus of the workshop was on PagkaINGAT, a forthcoming food safety web application that will serve as a centralized portal for a wide array of DOST food safety-related projects, research endeavors, training resources, consultancy services, and a database of experts—all accessible to the public. The aim is to empower individuals, businesses, and government entities with invaluable information on food safety practices.

“If we are establishing a platform or a website for food safety, kailangan natin ng content. At hindi lang dapat sa atin manggaling ‘yon [DOST CALABARZON], dapat sa lahat ng partner agencies na magse-share ng kanilang information at magpapatuloy na mag-contribute even after ng ating mga workshops,” ARD Barquilla added. “Kailangan nating i-build ‘yung database content ng PagkaINGAT through organizing the team na mag-i-input doon.”
A crucial aspect of the workshop was the Discussion of Content Guidelines for the web platform, which was expertly facilitated by DOST-CALABARZON’s unit heads, Ms. Diane Ulan of the Food Safety Unit (FSU) and Ms. Krizzia Mei Esperanza of the Public Affairs, Relations, and Communications Unit (PARCU). These guidelines are instrumental in maintaining the consistency, clarity, and accessibility of the content on PagkaINGAT.

When we asked Ms. Diane Ulan about the project’s objectives, she said that one of the key aims of this workshop is to foster the exchange of ideas, suggestions, and feedback. This collaborative effort is intended to enhance and refine the project’s final outcome for the benefit of the public.

Adding practicality to the proceedings, Ms. Bianca Pantoja, SRS II and the Head of the Management Information System (MIS) Unit of DOST-CALABARZON, conducted a comprehensive lecture and live demonstration of the web application. This practical experience enabled participants to gain a better understanding of the web platform’s capabilities and potential influence.
According to Ms. Pantoja, there are still many possible developments and enhancements for the system, including potential reports and data analytics generated by PagkaINGAT. She further added, “Ang isang important din kasi within the system, not specifically on the enhancement or development of features but more on sa data content itself. Sana naka-quality check natin ‘yung mga details at ‘yung mga data na nae-encode natin kasi from there doon tayo makaka-generate ng magagandang analysis na magiging useful both for the executives of the DOST as well as sa general public.”

The workshop continued in the afternoon session, which participants actively engaged with the web platform. They had the opportunity to input their content and provide feedback, contributing to the refinement and enhancement of PagkaINGAT.
The “Content Buildup Workshop for the DOST Food Safety Web Application – PagkaINGAT” is a PCIEERD-funded project and activity that represents a significant milestone in the journey toward a more accessible and informative food safety resource. With the dedicated leadership of DOST-CALABARZON and the active participation of various stakeholders, PagkaINGAT is poised to become a vital tool in advancing food safety practices and awareness across the Philippines.