By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the morning sun at PhilRice stations, cooperative leaders gathered with notebooks and keen attention, eager to learn how to keep their rice products safe for every Filipino table. For many small farmers, food safety is not just a regulation—it is a lifeline for trust and market access.
Fourteen representatives from RiceBIS farmer cooperatives and associations recently completed the Food Safety Compliance Officers’ Training, designed to strengthen their ability to maintain safe-to-consume products. The program, part of the RiceBIS initiative, emphasizes that food safety goes beyond PhilGAP certification and requires active monitoring and compliance at every step of production.
Dr. Diadem Gonzales-Esmero, program lead, highlighted the importance of equipping cooperatives with the knowledge to secure necessary permits and Licenses to Operate. “Helping cooperatives comply with food safety requirements protects their operations and allows them to expand their market reach,” she said.
The training included both classroom sessions and field visits. Participants toured the Center Cooperative in Guimba, Nueva Ecija, to observe modern post-harvest facilities in action. This hands-on exposure allowed participants to see practical applications of food safety standards, from proper handling and storage to quality control before products reach consumers.
The Bureau of Plant Industry collaborated with PhilRice in delivering the training, providing technical guidance and ensuring that the modules align with national food safety standards. The program also aims to build long-term capacity among cooperative staff, empowering them to serve as compliance officers and advocates for safe production practices within their communities.
Food safety is a critical component of building consumer confidence and protecting public health. By investing in training and modern post-harvest facilities, RiceBIS and its partners ensure that cooperative products meet both local and international standards, strengthening the competitiveness of Filipino rice in the market.
For participating cooperatives, the training is a step toward sustainable growth—balancing productivity with responsibility, and helping farmers meet rising consumer expectations for safe, high-quality food.
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