MMSU-CAFSD unveils new food tech labs
By Stephanie Camille Ilar
To further enhance the learning experience of food technology students, the College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development (CAFSD) opened its new food technology laboratories and lecture rooms through a blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony today, September 2.
Located in the northwestern portion of the college, the facilities include a Food Product Development Laboratory, a Food Microbiology Laboratory, a Food Physico-Chemical Laboratory, and lecture rooms. These are equipped with incubators, autoclaves, isolation rooms, analytical balances, moisture analyzers, safety showers, and eyewash stations to support instruction and research in food preparation, processing, product development, and microbial analysis.
MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. lauded the development, emphasizing the university’s commitment to strengthening programs that demonstrate excellence. “It is easier to provide support and approval if the department is doing its role in contributing to the growth and development of MMSU. We know you produced a topnotcher, so MMSU will reciprocate,” he said, expressing hope that the laboratories will help food technology students generate distinct food products and research outputs.
CAFSD Dean Dr. Charlie Batin emphasized that the facilities will further boost the competitiveness of food technology graduates. “Hopefully, with this development, we can produce more topnotchers and improve our national passing percentage, aiming for 100 percent next year,” he remarked, citing the success of alumna, Ms. Dee Vana Galacgac..
Assoc. Prof. Rhoda Garcia, former chair of the Department of Food Science and Technology (DFST), shared that the facilities had undergone several proposals and a rigorous process since 2020, and described their realization as a milestone for the program.
The event was also attended by former Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco, DFST Chair Asst. Prof. Buchard Cutin, faculty members, and food technology students.
Written By:
STRATCOM
