As part of the Gender and Development (GAD) program for Women’s Month, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Fisheries Office 1(BFAR-RFO1) – Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine Unit (FIQU) in coordination with the Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO)-Pangasinan, Local Government Unit- Tourism Office, and Municipal Agriculture Office of Lingayen, Pangasinan facilitated an Orientation on Food Safety Compliance and Traceability Systems on March 28, 2025.

The Municipality of Lingayen, widely recognized as the Bagoong (fermented fish paste) Capital, hosted this event attended by (30) bagoong fish processing owners with their representatives including the group of LGU’s from Municipal Agriculture Office, Market Inspector and Tourism Office. These processing owners are also members of the Lingayen Bagoong Manufacturers Association, an organized group committed to preserving and promoting the traditional bagoong-making industry. The association is led by their president, Jasmine Bernal, who plays a vital role in guiding and representing the processors. Among the participating processors were Emar’s Enterprise, Bernal Bagoong, FJB’s Bagoong, Nancy’s Boneless Bagoong, Rhugine Bagoong, KL Pangasinan Flavor Bagoong Processing, Bagoong Processor Pangasinan, MSL Bagoong Manufacturing, Bae Remy’s Bagoong, PG Bagoong, Merly’s Bagoong, and Aning’s Bagoong.

Key topics covered in this session include enhancing values and promoting gender awareness in the fisheries industry, importance of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) to ensure proper hygiene and food handling, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles, and Food Safety Regulations and Standards, including HALAL requirements that highlighted risk management in food production.

Additionally, FIQU presented their key functions and provided insights on transboundary and traceability requirements, underscoring the significance of tracking the movement of fisheries products.

FIQU personnel, Fishing Regulations Officer (FRO) Ma. Lizabeth D. Eisma; Dr. Hasmin M. Chogsayan, DVM; FRO Kryzyl C. Ali; and FIQU-Officer-in-Charge Elino C. Victorio, served as learning service providers for the session.

BFAR1 Legal Officer Atty. Jerick P. Dagdagan provided additional insights on Republic Act 10654, which aims to prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. He also addressed other relevant food safety and traceability laws, rules, and regulations, emphasizing the legal responsibilities of food processors.

This endeavor is vital to the local bagoong industry of Lingayen as it aims to enhance food safety standards and strengthen traceability, ensuring compliance with regulations while supporting local women entrepreneurs.