Tarlac State University has secured 50 million pesos in funding from the Department of Trade and Industry Region III to implement its Shared Service Facility (SSF) project through a memorandum of agreement signed on Thursday afternoon (October 2) at the Office of the University President.
The project, titled “Elevating Food Quality and Food Safety Compliance: Tarlac State University–Center for Food Technology and Research (CFTR) Food Research and Testing Laboratory Enhancement Project,” forms part of DTI’s SSF program which aims to boost the productivity and efficiency of micro, small, and medium enterprises by improving access to modern technology and facilities.
Through DTI's 2025 General Appropriations Act, the university's CFTR is set to acquire state-of-the-art food laboratory machines and equipment designed to strengthen the compliance of local food industries with food safety and quality.
Meanwhile, as an SSF partner, TSU will provide the infrastructure and working capital of the project, amounting to 68 million pesos.
Apart from the shared access to advanced machines and equipment, the SSF project also aims to establish the facility as a hub for developing science-driven solutions to address challenges in nutrition, food quality, and enterprise sustainability.
Present during the MOA signing are TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Atty. Wilmark J. Ramos, and CFTR Director Dr. Lea B. Milan.
Joining the TSU officials are DTI Acting Provincial Director Ms. Florencia A. Balilo and Senior/Chief Trade-Industry Development Specialist Ms. Ana Marie S. Tabamo. (jlmm/OPA)
Photo courtesy: Franc Lewis R. Juanatas
