USM Hosts MinSuPala-IRDC Training on Packaging, Labeling of Indigenous Products The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) hosted a training on packaging, labeling, and regulatory requirements for value-added indigenous crop and fish products on October 19, 2026, at Parklay Suites in Kidapawan City, Cotabato. The training, titled “Training on Packaging and Labelling of Value-Added Indigenous Crop and Fish,” was conducted through the Mindanao-Sulu-Palawan Innovative Research and Development Consortium (MinSuPala-IRDC). Dr. Lydia C. Pascual, USM focal person for MinSuPala-IRDC, stressed the need to prepare indigenous crop and fish products for the market. She noted that as these products move from prototype development toward commercialization, researchers also need to look into proper packaging, labeling, and compliance with regulatory requirements. USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel graced the training and expressed the university’s support for the initiative. “Through MinSuPala-IRDC, we can learn from the experiences of institutions… We may have different resources and challenges, but sharing our knowledge allows us to discover approaches that we can adapt to our own research and development initiatives,” Pimentel said. The training featured discussions and hands-on workshops on packaging, labeling, and regulatory requirements. Ms. Grace A. Ricardo, Senior Science Research Specialist at DOST XI, discussed packaging readiness, product-package compatibility, and the preparation of labels that comply with regulatory requirements. Ms. Jocel Custodio, Food-Drug Regulation Officer III/Licensing Officer of RFO XII–SOCCSKSARGEN, discussed FDA requirements and the registration process for food products intended for commercialization. Representatives from partner state universities and colleges (SUCs) also joined the training. These included: • Adiong Memorial State College • Basilan State University • Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology • Cotabato State University • Mindanao State University–Buug • MSU–General Santos City • MSU–Maguindanao • MSU–Sulu • MSU–Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography • South Cotabato State College • Sultan Kudarat State University • Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College The training ended with guided workshops and presentations of participants’ outputs, allowing them to apply the lessons to their own products and research.

USM Orients Officials, TWG, Researchers on Gender Analysis, GAD Planning

October 22, 2026

USM Presents Draft Agricultural Mechanization, Irrigation Master Plans in DA-XII Consultation

October 22, 2026

Published by Loynei Frias Sumalinog at October 22, 2026

The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) hosted a training on packaging, labeling, and regulatory requirements for value-added indigenous crop and fish products on October 19, 2026, at Parklay Suites in Kidapawan City, Cotabato.

The training, titled “Training on Packaging and Labelling of Value-Added Indigenous Crop and Fish,” was conducted through the Mindanao-Sulu-Palawan Innovative Research and Development Consortium (MinSuPala-IRDC).

Dr. Lydia C. Pascual, USM focal person for MinSuPala-IRDC, stressed the need to prepare indigenous crop and fish products for the market. She noted that as these products move from prototype development toward commercialization, researchers also need to look into proper packaging, labeling, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel graced the training and expressed the university’s support for the initiative.

“Through MinSuPala-IRDC, we can learn from the experiences of institutions… We may have different resources and challenges, but sharing our knowledge allows us to discover approaches that we can adapt to our own research and development initiatives,” Pimentel said.

The training featured discussions and hands-on workshops on packaging, labeling, and regulatory requirements.

Ms. Grace A. Ricardo, Senior Science Research Specialist at DOST XI, discussed packaging readiness, product-package compatibility, and the preparation of labels that comply with regulatory requirements.

Ms. Jocel Custodio, Food-Drug Regulation Officer III/Licensing Officer of RFO XII–SOCCSKSARGEN, discussed FDA requirements and the registration process for food products intended for commercialization.

Representatives from partner state universities and colleges (SUCs) also joined the training. These included:

• Adiong Memorial State College
• Basilan State University
• Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology
• Cotabato State University
• Mindanao State University–Buug
• MSU–General Santos City

• MSU–Maguindanao
• MSU–Sulu
• MSU–Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography
• South Cotabato State College
• Sultan Kudarat State University

• Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College

The training ended with guided workshops and presentations of participants’ outputs, allowing them to apply the lessons to their own products and research.

Loynei Frias Sumalinog

Loy has a habit of buying books more often than actually reading them. Also, he sets reminder to only drink two cups of coffee in a day, and forgets it every time.