VSU to represent PH in food industry tour in Japan

VSU was recommended by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Executive Director Asterio P. Saliot to represent the Philippines in the Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo tour with other representatives from top universities in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Myanmar.

Food tech students Maria Norfrelij Cuadra, Brayan Bornias, Melogen Gold Bandalan, and Ria Jayne Tabinas will present the food value chain in the Philippines with their adviser Dr. Lorina Galvez, and ATI representative Maria Helen Seco.

They are expected to implement projects and share the lessons they have gained from the high-technology food value chain in Japan.

Based on 2013-2014 data, they found out that 40% is lost to poor processing and distribution systems. A considerable percentage is also lost to production and post-production, and marketing owing to low food product shelf-life.

Moreover, their research revealed that food and food product recalls often occur owing to low quality.

The tour was initiated by the Kasetsart University in Thailand, the Department of Agricultural Extension, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and implemented by the ASEAN Food Industries Human Resources Development Association. It aims to improve and develop the food value chain in countries in the ASEAN.