In 2023, the PSU-DOST 1 Food Innovation Center submitted a proposal for the National Economic and Development Authority’s (NEDA) Call for Proposals 2023 Innovation Grants. The project, titled “Pilot Production, Packaging Innovation, and Safety Validation of Food Innovation Center (FIC)-Developed Disaster Foods in Region 1,” successfully passed the evaluation process and was approved for funding.
On September 26, 2024, a monitoring visit was conducted by both the national and regional NEDA teams led by Mr. Florante D. Galura Jr., Chief Economic Development Specialist, InnovS, Innovation Fund Management Fund Division (IFMD), Innovation Staff (InnovS). The event started with a courtesy call to Dr. Gudelia M. Samson, the Campus Executive Director of PSU-Bayambang. The team then proceeded to the PSU-DOST 1 Food Innovation Center office, where the project leader and FIC Head, Dr. Wilma M. De Vera, delivered a presentation on the project’s accomplishments and highlights for the months of January to September 2024.
The presentation highlighted the progress and milestones of the project, followed by an open forum, allowing for a dynamic exchange of insights between the PSU Project Team and the NEDA Monitoring Team. The event concluded with a tour of the FIC laboratory, showcasing the project’s technical and operational aspects.
The project represents a significant collaboration between PSU-DOST 1 and NEDA, contributing to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting food security, innovation, and sustainable industry practices.
