The Bureau of Plant Industry—Plant Product Safety Services Division (BPI-PPSSD) remains committed to enforcing food safety regulations for plant-based foods and spearheading the national certification of Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP). In line with this commitment, the BPI-PPSSD successfully conducted the 2025 Food Safety Awareness Caravan with the theme, “Bridging the Gap Between Knowledge and Practice for Consumers and Students.”

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The event aimed to educate consumers and students on the importance of food safety and the GAP certification process, promote support for locally produced GAP-certified products, and inspire future career pathways in the field of agriculture.

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Held in key locations across Luzon, including public markets and schools, the caravan engaged 450 participants, including students, vendors, and consumers.

This initiative forms part of the action plan developed following the Japan study tour for the National and ASEAN GAP.

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Through expert-led discussions on food safety, PhilGAP standards, and sustainable agricultural practices, the event promoted responsible consumption and raised awareness of safe, high-quality agricultural products. Also emphasized is food safety in fresh and minimally processed plant-based foods.

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The mobile laboratory conducted on-site testing of market produce, enabling the timely detection of contaminants and supporting proactive food safety efforts.

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This successful initiative was made possible through strong collaboration among the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), local government units, school heads, and market administrators. It played a vital role in raising public awareness, promoting environmental responsibility, and encouraging youth interest in agriculture, food science, and health.

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PAGKAIN PARA SA LAHAT SAFE AT SAPAT DAPAT-PPSSD

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(053025-49)