The equipment and tools will be part of the center's Food Testing Laboratory which will be used to measure and analyze the components of food products and their nutritional value to ensure quality and safety.
“This is not [just] for the university but for our MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), our students, and researchers. With these po, mas mapapaganda pa ang extension services namin, ang mga research outputs namin – mas mapapalaki po ang scope,” FTRC director Dr. Lea Milan said in her message of commitment.
Partner MSMEs can access the laboratory starting next year with only a fraction of a price compared to private laboratories.
“They are only minimal fees; basically just consumables lang po. Hindi po siya income-generating. It’s more of a support to our research and extension as well as [to] our instruction activities,” Dr. Milan added.
TSU students will also be trained to use the equipment which they can use for the improvement of their research outputs.
The awarding was led by DTI Regional Director Leonila T. Baluyut and DTI-Tarlac Provincial Director Agnes B. Ramirez.
Also present in the event are TSU Vice President for Research and Extension Services Dr. Armee N. Rosel, DTI Tarlac staff, and MSME representatives Mr. Eddie Salinas of Bulong Calabash Leaves Tea and Ms. Merafe Pineda of Potter’s Hand Processed Food.