Cagayan State University (CSU) and the Buguey local government have signed an agreement to launch a project aimed at improving food safety and regulatory compliance among local businesses. The initiative, called FIC Synergy: Strengthening Food Safety and Compliance Toward FDA-LTO Readiness, was formalized during a recent ceremony at the Buguey mayor’s office.
CSU President Arthur Ibañez and Buguey Mayor Licerio Antiporda III led the signing, which was witnessed by members of the Association of Regional Lady Executives of Cagayan Valley and other local stakeholders.
Under the agreement, CSU’s Food Innovation Center (FIC) will provide technical support and guidance to help Buguey secure a License to Operate (LTO) from the Food and Drug Administration for its processed fish products. The university will assist with FDA requirements, including Good Manufacturing Practices and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures. It will also help prepare technical documents, conduct training on food safety, and perform site visits to assess and recommend improvements in processing operations.
In return, the Buguey local government agreed to give CSU full access to its facilities, staff, and necessary documents for the LTO application. The municipality will also assign coordinators to work with CSU-FIC and allocate resources to implement the recommended changes.
“This partnership highlights our commitment to making Buguey a center for sustainable development by helping local businesses meet food safety standards, improve market competitiveness, and protect public health,” Ibañez said.
Mayor Antiporda said the project is a significant step toward empowering local entrepreneurs. He expressed confidence that, with CSU’s expertise and Buguey’s resources, the town can become a model for food safety and sustainable industry in coastal communities.
The agreement also strengthens the existing partnership between CSU and Buguey. The local government previously donated a five-hectare lot for the development of the CSU-Buguey campus. Once operational, the campus will offer academic programs related to fisheries and other industries crucial to the town’s coastal economy.
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