October 19, 2023 – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officially turned over the Shared Service Facility (SSF) for Food Processing to Western Philippines University (WPU) during a ceremony held at the SSF Food Processing Building at WPU Main Campus, Aborlan, Palawan. The SSF, part of DTI’s flagship program, is designed to boost productivity and efficiency for local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing access to advanced machinery, equipment, and training.

The facility will serve local farmers, food producers, and entrepreneurs in Palawan, offering them an opportunity to enhance their food processing capabilities. By providing a space for collaboration and knowledge exchange, the SSF supports the sustainable growth of Palawan’s agricultural sector. The shared use of the facility helps MSMEs reduce costs and access the latest technology, which may otherwise be out of reach.

The SSF will be open to all MSMEs in Palawan for a minimal fee, which will be allocated to operational and maintenance costs, including insurance. Interested parties may contact the department chair of WPU’s Home Economics Department, Prof. Marilyn Sabando, via email at marilyn.sabando@wpu.edu.ph for more details.

This initiative is a significant step in connecting local communities with the resources needed for innovation in food production and processing. Through the SSF, WPU continues to bridge the gap between academia and industry, contributing to the development of sustainable agricultural practices in the province.

[This article is in line with the SDGs 1, 2, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15 & 17]